O'Keefe: Brokeback Mountain (Film)

In the film adaptation of Brokeback Mountain, we see the character Alma Del Mar portrayed as a neglected wife who, for good reason, begins to question the fidelity and sexual orientation of her husband, Ennis. Her suspicions arise the first time she comes into contact with Ennis’ former ranching and, unbeknownst to her, sexual partner, Jack Twist.

Prior to their reunion, Ennis preps Alma for his liaison with Jack by first declining her invitation to go out to dinner and then explaining to her that they will most likely be spending the evening drinking. This interaction leaves Alma feeling somewhat despondent, however, her attitude truly takes a distinct shift for the remainder of the story when, upon opening the front door, intending to greet the man she had envisioned as Ennis’ platonic ranching buddy from a few years back, she instead gazes upon a startling and, certainly, unsettling sight: her husband and his “friend” locked in a passionate embrace and, apparently, in the middle of a long and intimate kiss. Alma is absolutely shocked by this turn of events; she steps back, mouth agape, flabbergasted by what she had just seen unfold, and reenters the house for a moment of reflection. One could only begin to imagine what could be going through her mind as she takes stock of her relationship with Ennis and her very way of life up to this point. She is surely aware that her life will be irrevocably changed and different, regardless of whether or not she acts on her new and confusing discovery. Alma then collects herself as best as possible just prior to her husband’s entrance whereupon he formally, yet briefly, introduces her to Jack Twist, who himself looks a bit shell-shocked by what had just transpired. Ennis, who is clearly elated, excuses himself and his friend and lets Alma know that they may not even return home that evening.

This scene, upon first impression, leaves this viewer feeling disdainful of Ennis and his behavior. We see him as leading a sort of double life that, once it has come to light, will cause a great deal of emotional grief for his wife. With the seeming glut of bravado (or perhaps more correctly, lack of awareness) with which Ennis embraces Jack outside of his home it seems as if he almost has ill intentions, or at the very least, little regard for Alma. It is later elucidated throughout the story that Ennis is far more conflicted and the situation is far more complex than it first appears, as Ennis seems to not come to terms even with his own feelings for a number of years of to come. Alma frees herself from the relationship through the divorce yet she still must deal with him as the father of her children. In a later scene, she confronts Ennis verbally about him and Jack and she is clearly still hurt by their relationship. She may still love Ennis, but she must continue to accept that a relationship with him is not possible, and that this is something she must deal with even after their divorce.