Hello guys. I've read a lot of discussions about Jack's death, on this forum as well as other places. Many people talked about how Lureen lied in the phone conversation, and what Jack's parents may or may not know. What actually happened to Jack was left ambiguous intentionally by the creators of the story and we may never find out for sure. But regarding Jack's death, there is something that's been on my mind lately and I haven't found a discussion about it, so I'm starting it here. And that is about Jack's dying wish, which is to have his ashes scattered on BBM.
Regarding this, I have a few points to make.
1. Regardless of what Lureen may or may not lie about in the phone conversation, I do think she did not lie about Jack's dying wish. There is no reason for her to make up one if Jack never had a dying wish. And even if she were to make up one, it wouldn't be this one.
2. Jack's parents know about Jack's dying wish also. When Ennis visited them, they knew exactly what Ennis was there for. When Ennis asked about the ash, neither of them showed any surprise or shock, as they would if they didn't have knowledge about the dying wish.
3. All 3 people's attitudes towards Jack's dying wish are clearly visible in the film. Lureen didn't know what it truly means in the beginning. She thought it was some pretend place and Jack's wish was some crazy talk. I think she knew Ennis was one of Jack's lovers. But it was until Ennis told her about BBM that she realized Ennis was "THE lover", and Jack's wish was a sincere one. After knowing the truth, she wants Ennis to carry out Jack's wish, and that's why she directed Ennis to contact Jack's folks. Jack's parents knew exactly who Ennis was. Jack's mom wants her son's wish to be carried out but she is too powerless to do so. Jack's dad doesn't want to carry out Jack's wish, for many complicated reasons.
4. With those being said, I find it odd that a 39-year-old man (or even younger Jack) would mention his dying wish in casual daily conversations or even have one in the first place. Usually people would consider having a dying wish when they know they are about to die, like of old age or incurable diseases. But Jack was none of those. Even if Jack had a crazy moment and thought about his dying wish out of nowhere, it doesn't make sense for him to bring it up to his wife and say things like "I want my ashes to be scatter in BBM when I die" and "BBM is my fav place." Wouldn't that raise questions in the marriage, which are totally avoidable??
My first 3 points are my observations from the film and last point is based on what I think is common sense. To combine everything I just said, I found it more plausible that Jack said the dying wish on his death bed. His parents may or may not be there also, but at least Lureen was there to hear it. And if that's the case, this would be another perspective to deduct that Lureen lied as in her story, Jack would never had a chance to say anything before he died.
Again, I cannot offer the conclusion of how Jack died. But maybe this can be another perspective to look into?
Any thoughts are appreciated, thanks!!