Character Analysis of Ennis Del Mar

[B.W.]

I imagine that Heath Ledger's performance had to have surprised a lot of people.  He was truly one of the most talented actors to ever grace Hollywood in my opinion.

[doodler]

And while Jake's Jack Twist is probably his finest performance, Heath's Ennis del Mar is just a glimpse of his extraordinary talent.

[janjo]

In some ways Heath's performance was so extraordinary that Jake was unfairly overlooked by some people.

[BlueJeanJeannie]

^^^^^^^^

I agree, Jess.

But I'm probably on the wrong thread here 

[lislis]

http://dvddiscussiongroup.blogspot.com/2006/06/june-8th-discussion-brokeback-mountain.html

From 2nd comment:
One participant noted the marks on the back of Ennis's hand during his last embrace with Jack in the parking lot; could he be burning himself with cigarettes?


I don't recall this observation being made in this forum, but given the description:
http://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/self-harm
it would seem to be something Ennis might do.

[andy/Claude]

In some ways Heath's performance was so extraordinary that Jake was unfairly overlooked by some people.

Though not by the BAFTAS, thankfully.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kerv__CasPE

[CellarDweller115]

http://dvddiscussiongroup.blogspot.com/2006/06/june-8th-discussion-brokeback-mountain.html

From 2nd comment:
One participant noted the marks on the back of Ennis's hand during his last embrace with Jack in the parking lot; could he be burning himself with cigarettes?


I don't recall this observation being made in this forum, but given the description:
http://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/self-harm
it would seem to be something Ennis might do.

Hmmmm.....interesting.  I don't believe this topic was ever discussed here.   I do recall that there was some discussion (regarding the marks) that the time frame coincided with the beginning of the AIDS crisis, and some wondered if that was being alluded to.

[andy/Claude]

^^^^
I'm probably thinking of something else but weren't the marks ill-concealed tattoos?

[CellarDweller115]

[andy/Claude]

Ah, those marks. Tx Chuck.

[fofol]

Those 'marks' look extraordinarily like the ordinary mini-wounds that accrue on anyone who uses his or her hands working a rough livelihood.  Not many wage paid ranch hands need to abuse themselves, given the usual conditions of their lives, but maybe they do.  Please tell me how wrong I am if you're an emo cowboy ranch hand.

[suelyblu]

Insect bites !!!!!!  I remember Jake and Heath complaining about them. There are times in the Rockies
when they are so profuse..... the air is thick with them. Thanks God I went in mid September when they have started to die off !!!!

[Sara B]

Sounds pretty likely they're the remains of mosquito bites, Sue. They look a bit like age spots, but neither Heath nor Ennis at 39- ish was really old enough, although perhaps with the rugged outdoor life?

Good to see you, fofol!

[malachite45]

Those 'marks' look extraordinarily like the ordinary mini-wounds that accrue on anyone who uses his or her hands working a rough livelihood.  Not many wage paid ranch hands need to abuse themselves, given the usual conditions of their lives, but maybe they do.  Please tell me how wrong I am if you're an emo cowboy ranch hand.

I think you're right about that. Remember the description in the OS ; "the big nicked hands". How Heath got the marks is anyone's guess but they were completely right for Ennis.

[Sason]

I've never noticed those marks before. Thanks for providing the pic, Chuck.

I think they're Ennis's marks, not Heath's. If they were Heath's, they would probably have concealed them with make up.