Author Topic: Which character are you more drawn to?  (Read 93491 times)

Offline brokebackmountain

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Which character are you more drawn to?
« on: Dec 20, 2005, 02:01 AM »
Putting their acting aside...

Which character do you like better? Is it Jack or Ennis?

After seeing the movies two times, I still like Jack better because he is straightforward and not afraid of showing his emotion.
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« Last Edit: Dec 25, 2005, 01:34 AM by brokebackmountain »
Born from their love..forever bound by ours.

Offline Lamar

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Re: Who do you like better - Jack or Ennis?
« Reply #1 on: Dec 20, 2005, 10:06 PM »
I am most struck by Ennis.  So trapped.  He does not have a language to express this new relationship.  He knows what he can't be, but he does not know what he needs to be.  I see so many men stuck in roles that they felt impelled to enter, yet not fulfilled.  I was ready to sob when he spoke of being trapped by his relationship and not knowing how to get out. 

Best film I have ever seen.  Lamar in Bakersfield

Offline Lamar

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Re: Who do you like better - Jack or Ennis?
« Reply #2 on: Dec 20, 2005, 10:08 PM »
I am most struck by Ennis.  So trapped.  He does not have a language to express this new relationship.  He knows what he can't be, but he does not know what he needs to be.  I see so many men stuck in roles that they felt impelled to enter, yet not fulfilled.  I was ready to sob when he spoke of being trapped by his relationship and not knowing how to get out. 

Best film I have ever seen.  Lamar in Bakersfield

Offline brokebackmountain

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Re: Who do you like better - Jack or Ennis?
« Reply #3 on: Dec 21, 2005, 10:03 AM »
I am most struck by Ennis.  So trapped.  He does not have a language to express this new relationship.  He knows what he can't be, but he does not know what he needs to be.  I see so many men stuck in roles that they felt impelled to enter, yet not fulfilled.  I was ready to sob when he spoke of being trapped by his relationship and not knowing how to get out. 

Best film I have ever seen.  Lamar in Bakersfield

Hello Lamar, welcome and thanks for your post. I agree with you that Ennis is a powerful character. No one can seem to understand his mind. Even so, he is so real as you suggested in your post.
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Offline adisonvunguyen

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Re: Who do you like better - Jack or Ennis?
« Reply #4 on: Dec 25, 2005, 01:04 AM »
 I would tell I like both...Ennis somehoew reminds me of the one I'm in a relationship with. Also, speaking of Ennis, I understand why he didn't go for what he wanted. It's because he knew that if he lived with Jack they both would ended up beaten to death by other peopel who were against gay guys at the times..just like what he saw in his childhood. ....oops, I forgot about thier wives though..they were great..So, I would say that I love them all, including all the people who made this movie..I just love it soo much..

Offline stationbbm

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Re: Who do you like better - Jack or Ennis? (possible spoiler)
« Reply #5 on: Jan 01, 2006, 05:31 PM »
Ennis...hands down.  The depth, the richness and "the struggle" inside of this character was nothing short of phenomenal.  To bring the caged and wild animal like a cowboy into a tragic romance with all the internal struggle of his past, the transformation of Ennis del Mar will not ever be forgotten.  Ledger's performance is matchless and one for the ages.  Many, many years will go by before the excellence in acting craft will ever be equalled.

bbmstation

Offline *Froggy*

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Re: Who do you like better - Jack or Ennis? (possible spoiler)
« Reply #6 on: Jan 01, 2006, 05:34 PM »
Ennis...hands down.  The depth, the richness and "the struggle" inside of this character was nothing short of phenomenal.  To bring the caged and wild animal like a cowboy into a tragic romance with all the internal struggle of his past, the transformation of Ennis del Mar will not ever be forgotten.  Ledger's performance is matchless and one for the ages.  Many, many years will go by before the excellence in acting craft will ever be equalled.

bbmstation

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ps: I hope you don't mind me asking   ???
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Offline ChefStevo

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Re: Who do you like better - Jack or Ennis? (possible spoiler)
« Reply #7 on: Jan 03, 2006, 11:13 PM »
For me it's Enns, Ennis, Ennis!!!!  I have now seen the movie 4 times (and Counting!) and I am moved by Ennis everytime......
Steven

Offline Krispera

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Re: Who do you like better - Jack or Ennis? (possible spoiler)
« Reply #8 on: Jan 04, 2006, 01:58 AM »
Acting skills = Ennis Del Mar. Ennis is harder to play than playing the guy with cute eyes (Jack) Heath did a great job! Jake too but Heath character was verry harder!He doesn't talk alot so he needs to be expressive and everything.. good job Jack and Ennis!

Offline chameau

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Re: Who do you like better - Jack or Ennis? (possible spoiler)
« Reply #9 on: Jan 05, 2006, 06:32 PM »
Ennis...  The shirts scene, the last words of the movie... o.k. now have (again) tears in my eyes.
La dictature c'est ''ferme ta geule'', la démocratie c'est ''cause toujours''
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howardvl

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Which character are you more drawn to?
« Reply #10 on: Jan 07, 2006, 12:29 PM »

Hey I have been anguishing over the more cerebral aspects of the movie for a week, so maybe it's time for something more light hearted?  I was curious among the group here....between Ennis and Jack, which character do you find yourself more attracted to?  I was wondering if the gay men in the group tended to be attracted to one and the ladies of the group attracted to the other?

I cannot hide the fact that I am strongly leaning to the Jack (Jake Gyllenhaal) side of the house, I cannot escape those plaintive, optimistic, puppy dog eyes....and wow, what a great bod!

Victor

Offline CoyotePiper

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Re: Which character are you more drawn to?
« Reply #11 on: Jan 07, 2006, 01:34 PM »
Actually the one that got my motor going was Randall. Big,Texas, daddy-bear type. Big, beard,build, and baritone. So if I was to put on my bottom boy baseball cap it would be to sit bareass in Randall's lap.

However, I'm not naturally a bottom man, and the Jack character was my cup of tea. Despite being outgoing and sociable, you just knew he would love to find some secret hidden ranch somewhere way out in the back of nowhere and set up with a bud. Jack is a guy with simple needs, not afraid to get dirty, low maintainence. A supportive, mature guy, even at the character's age of 19. You rarely if ever meet men like this in the real world.

And it sure don't hurt that he's nice to look at. That lean, hairy body with stubbled face would get me every time. I thought the "Black Jack" scenes where they aged him to 35 yo or so were the hottest. Gyllenhaal is going to get hotter and hotter as he grows into his 30's

howardvl

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Re: Which character are you more drawn to?
« Reply #12 on: Jan 07, 2006, 03:29 PM »

Interesting point of view!  You bring up an interesting question that I was having in my mind, but was a bit hesitant to bring up....do you think that Ennis and Jack took traditional roles in their sexual encounters?  I had originally felt that Jack seemed more appropriate in the bottom role, as his size and demeanor physically led him there...and there was also their first experience in the tent to guess from.  I think if this were the case, it might make Ennis' guilt that much more painful in that Jack was presumably killed at the hands of some lynch mob, and he wasn't there to protect him?
 

Offline CoyotePiper

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Re: Which character are you more drawn to?
« Reply #13 on: Jan 07, 2006, 04:35 PM »
But other than instantly flipping his tail in the air I thought Jack took a decidedly top role in the tent scene. My intuition tells me he  is a bottom man yet not in those scenes. Jack has to get the game going.  He has to guide a reluctant virgin who knows nothing. Jack does the calming. Jack even crawls on top in the 2nd tent scene.

ANd look how Ennis goes calling with hat in hand like a nervous suitor in the 2nd TS. Initially it is Jack who behaves like a man in charge.

Not until the reunion does Ennis take charge of their fun. And even in the motel scene who is cradling whom?

Still, you can just read it into Jack that he would be extremely happy letting Ennis run their love life. His most perfect memory is the flashback where Ennis comes up behind him and holds him.

Offline *Froggy*

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Re: Which character are you more drawn to?
« Reply #14 on: Jan 07, 2006, 04:39 PM »
which character do you find yourself more attracted to?  I was wondering if the gay men in the group tended to be attracted to one and the ladies of the group attracted to the other?

I am attracted to Ennis...(Yes i am a big Heath fan ;D,fancied him in all his previous roles too), but now that i have seen BBM, it's 200% Ennis...I do not want to upset Jack's fans, but in this movie (different to his character in the book) i find him weak, and that's a no no for me.

Plus, Jack gets a beer belly , whereas Ennis stays lean and fit...and that's not half bad either! ;D
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howardvl

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Re: Which character are you more drawn to?
« Reply #15 on: Jan 07, 2006, 04:48 PM »

I am attracted to Ennis...(Yes i am a big Heath fan ;D,fancied him in all his previous roles too), but now that i have seen BBM, it's 200% Ennis...I do not want to upset Jack's fans, but in this movie (different to his character in the book) i find him weak, and that's a no no for me.

Plus, Jack gets a beer belly , whereas Ennis stays lean and fit...and that's not half bad either! ;D


Thanks so much for the post froggy!  I am so glad you finally got to see the movie!!!

howardvl

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Re: Which character are you more drawn to?
« Reply #16 on: Jan 07, 2006, 05:27 PM »
Still, you can just read it into Jack that he would be extremely happy letting Ennis run their love life. His most perfect memory is the flashback where Ennis comes up behind him and holds him.

Can't get that image outta my mind (and I don't want to!).  Although sexless, that scene is the most compelling example of their tenderness IMHO.  Even in the short story, Annie Proulx makes it clear that this memory of Jack's is the most dear.  :'(

Offline chameau

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Re: Which character are you more drawn to?
« Reply #17 on: Jan 08, 2006, 12:34 AM »
Jack is very, VERY! Attractive and sexy (Jeez those blue eyes!)  If we are talking bout the actors, o.k. Jake first, he is most likely a sex bomb (you should hear my niece!).  But about the characters, guys... Ennis! I would like to Hugh him, kiss him, tell him everything is all right and hugh him again and again.  Waking up with Ennis in my bed, I would call sick at work (Boss I have a big cramp!, will be off for a while...) and take care of my little boy, hugh him, kiss him again and all day long and forever.  Isn't the kind of love we are all longing for?
La dictature c'est ''ferme ta geule'', la démocratie c'est ''cause toujours''
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Offline brokebackmountain

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Re: Which character are you more drawn to?
« Reply #18 on: Jan 08, 2006, 05:29 AM »
Jack is very, VERY! Attractive and sexy (Jeez those blue eyes!)  If we are talking bout the actors, o.k. Jake first, he is most likely a sex bomb (you should hear my niece!).  But about the characters, guys... Ennis! I would like to Hugh him, kiss him, tell him everything is all right and hugh him again and again.  Waking up with Ennis in my bed, I would call sick at work (Boss I have a big cramp!, will be off for a while...) and take care of my little boy, hugh him, kiss him again and all day long and forever.  Isn't the kind of love we are all longing for?

Jack is very attractive - who would not be drawn to his optimistic and romantic personality? On the other hand, Ennis is a challenge to work with - not easy to get to but once you get to his heart, he is yours to keep.

Jack is fun to be around and a bf type. Ennis is the keeper. IMHO. If I were younger, I would be drawn to Jack...and now I am older - Ennis would be the one.
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Offline Angelove

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Re: Which character are you more drawn to?
« Reply #19 on: Jan 08, 2006, 05:53 AM »
Now that I've seen the movie twice and let it stewed in my head for a couple of weeks now, the answer for me, at least, is Jack.  Yes, I'm drawn to Ennis because of the tragic outcome of his story, but if I had to choose to be with one of them, I would definitely choose Jack. 

I remember listening to the song, "I Don't Want to Say Goodbye", and while Jack was slow dancing with Lureen, there was one shot where there was a smile on face and in the next, he had an incredible sad and distant look in his eyes.  Although he knew how to have fun, he still felt sad and empty inside because he will always love Ennis deeply. 

The second song, "I will Never Let You Go", is a lot more fast past and cheery, but it also described Jack's feelings as he twirled on the dance floor with the foreman's wife.  I believe the movie did a good job illustrating that although he was attracted to the Foreman himself, he will never let go of Ennis as the song suggests. 

Although Jack never said, "I love you" directly to Ennis at any point in the movie, he has expressed his feelings more than once to him and that's something I appreciate about his character.  I'm like that.  I'm the type of guy who would devote the rest of my life loving the guy I fall in love with and I would wait for him like Jack would, even if I were to suffer through hell for it.  All I want is to be with him as the lyrics of the first song goes, as simple as that.  That's why it was hard for me to watch Jack's character, I could feel his pain as he waited for Ennis; I would have done the same just to be with the person I love.

Offline brokebackmountain

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Re: Which character are you more drawn to?
« Reply #20 on: Jan 08, 2006, 06:01 AM »
Now that I've seen the movie twice and let it stewed in my head for a couple of weeks now, the answer for me, at least, is Jack.  Yes, I'm drawn to Ennis because of the tragic outcome of his story, but if I had to choose to be with one of them, I would definitely choose Jack. 

I remember listening to the song, "I Don't Want to Say Goodbye", and while Jack was slow dancing with Lureen, there was one shot where there was a smile on face and in the next, he had an incredible sad and distant look in his eyes.  Although he knew how to have fun, he still felt sad and empty inside because he will always love Ennis deeply. 

The second song, "I will Never Let You Go", is a lot more fast past and cheery, but it also described Jack's feelings as he twirled on the dance floor with the foreman's wife.  I believe the movie did a good job illustrating that although he was attracted to the Foreman himself, he will never let go of Ennis as the song suggests. 


It is interesting that you mention these two songs. They do represent Ennis and Jack's feelings quite well.

"I don't want to say good-bye" is more Jack's song as the lyrics say

'Cause I don't want to say goodbye.
Let the stars shine through.
No, I don't want to say goodbye
All I want to do is love with you.

Together our two hearts are strong
Don't you know know that's where our hearts both belong?

"I will never let you go" is Ennis's song - only it was too late. 

Even though this wasn't meant to be
It's gonna break my heart to watch you leave
But I will never let you, I will never let you,
I will never let you go.

Why I'm feelin' so, so low
I will never let you, I will never let you,
I will never let you go.
Born from their love..forever bound by ours.

Offline borger1582

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Re: Which character are you more drawn to?
« Reply #21 on: Jan 08, 2006, 12:47 PM »
brokebackmountain, I think you nailed it with those songs.  Just happened to be listening when I read your post -

Ennis never does let go of Jack in his heart, even when he (has to/is willing to) watch him leave when their time together is over for another year.

I want to quote some lines from the story I think are relevant here:

" 'No,' said Ennis, forbearing to ask whose fault that was.  'I goddam hate it that you're goin a drive away in the mornin and I'm goin back to work.  But if you can't fix it you got a stand it.' "

Offline Liam56

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Re: Which character are you more drawn to?
« Reply #22 on: Jan 14, 2006, 03:28 AM »
This is an provocative question and one that is not that easy to answer.  Physically, I am more attracted to Jack.  There is something about him that just makes me melt.  But in terms of characters, I guess I am drawn to both, because I am both.  I am part Ennis--reticent, cautious, fearful of what others may think, afraid of commitment, and I am also like Jack at times--willing to take a leap, open, available to the people I love, frustrated when others don't respond.  I wish I were more like Jack at times, but I'm not; I'm a mixture of the two characters:  open and mysterious at the same time.  They both have their strengths and weaknesses, and I guess that is why I keep going to see the film, maybe so that I might understand myyself a little more, and what it is that makes me tick.

Liam56

Offline Aela

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Re: Which character are you more drawn to?
« Reply #23 on: Jan 16, 2006, 07:15 PM »
When the movie starts out, I like them both pretty well, but as time progresses, I'm all about Ennis.  Thing is, I have no IDEA why! :)  I just really dig me some old Ennis.  Maybe it's the sideburns. heh.

Emotionally, I like Ennis too.  I think I just identify with him a lot.  I'm a boring loner too. :)  I love that line of his, "I probably wasn't any fun anyway."  Just melts my heart.
"I was probably no fun anyways, was I?"
--Ennis

Offline fwellman

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Re: Which character are you more drawn to?
« Reply #24 on: Jan 17, 2006, 12:38 AM »
Having been in love with a Ennis type, withdrawn and not confortable with being gay I can relate to Jack.  This is one of the few movies that gay or straight man or woman you can relate to someone in the movie.   I was younger he was older.  I could feel Jack's pain like my own. My situation did not end by death, but it hurt as much.  I have never been a Heath Ledger fan. In this movie he gave one of the best performaces I have ever seen.

Offline jackchristopher27

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Re: Which character are you more drawn to?
« Reply #25 on: Jan 17, 2006, 08:03 PM »
Jack, definitely. He is more outgoing and passionate than Ennis, a lot like myself.  :)
Like vast clouds of steam from thermal springs in winter the years of things unsaid and now unsayable -- admissions, declarations, shames, guilts, fears -- rose around them. Ennis stood as if heart-shot, face grey and deep-lined, grimacing, eyes screwed shut, fists clenched, legs caving, hit the ground on his knees.

Offline sweetlilg

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Re: Which character are you more drawn to?
« Reply #26 on: Jan 17, 2006, 08:26 PM »
Jack!!!! anyone would like to be with someone like Jack!!
"Sometimes I miss you SO MUCH I can hardly stand it" - Jack <3

RIP Heath ♥ Heath, I swear...

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Re: Which character are you more drawn to?
« Reply #27 on: Jan 17, 2006, 10:30 PM »
If I thought Ennis was real, I'd be packing the Toyota right now and heading for Wyoming - as long as he didn't make me live in that gawd-awful trailer - LOL!


Offline chameau

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Re: Which character are you more drawn to?
« Reply #28 on: Jan 17, 2006, 10:41 PM »
Quote
If I thought Ennis was real, I'd be packing the Toyota right now and heading for Wyoming - as long as he didn't make me live in that gawd-awful trailer - LOL!

For Ennis?

I'll take the trailer, BIG TIME!  :P
La dictature c'est ''ferme ta geule'', la démocratie c'est ''cause toujours''
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Offline bubu

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Re: Which character are you more drawn to?
« Reply #29 on: Jan 20, 2006, 10:13 PM »

JOE (Randy Quaid)..... ;D :o