Too many unanswered questions

Rating: 9/10 (5 December 2006)

This film has many excellent aspects, such as great actors (Ledger and Gyllenhaal) and actresses (Williams and Hathaway nearly steal the show) and breathtaking scenery, yet too many questions were unanswered.
First, in the beginning of the film, the viewer notices that Jack could possibly be gay. For example, while shaving in the side view mirror of his old pick-up truck while waiting for the employer to show up, Jack is also eyeballing the quiet handsome cowboy, Ennis (although we do not yet know his name).
In addition, once Jack and Ennis are on the mountain, Jack is staring at Ennis (who was hunched down nude cleaning himself at the campsite) and gingerly wiped Ennis' scraped head (which occurred when his horse was spooked by the bear).
Hence, while it is clear that Jack is at least interested in Ennis from the beginning, we do not know whether the feeling is mutual from Ennis' perspective. Is it possible that Ennis would never have engaged in a gay relationship had he not been in virtual seclusion in a desolate mountain with another young man? After all, throughout the film, it is apparent that Ennis is capable of remaining loyal to either his wife or Jack, although Jack is incapable of fidelity to his wife and buddy Ennis (for example, Jack engages in relationships with the Mexican male prostitute and his bearded married coworker in Texas; the one who mentioned going to a cabin alone with Jack during the dinner date with their wives).
Second, while Alma Del Mar's reaction of shock and dismay (upon seeing her husband frantically kissing another man) was quite convincing, I do not understand why she did not immediately confront Ennis and Jack. In my view, most women (even those of the 1960s, who were more domestic and subservient to their husbands than their modern counterparts) would have minimally thrown Jack out of the family home. In addition, I was bewildered by Ennis' carelessness (i.e., when he saw Jack 3 to 4 years later, why couldn't he hug his buddy and whisper, "Wait until I get you alone later?". Alma would not have been suspicious had he been careful).
Third, since Ennis is clearly experiencing financial issues in Wyoming, why didn't Jack offer him a job with him in Texas? It would have been a very convenient way for the 2 men to live within close proximity of each other, and business would have been a legitimate reason for them to be together, and no one would have been the wiser. Phony fishing trips (and then returning home without any fish) would not have been necessary.
Fourth, how did Jack die? During the telephone scene (where Ennis is speaking with Jack's wife Laureen), Laureen explains that Jack died while "changing a tire" and "was crushed to death at the age of 39". During Laureen's explanation, the viewer briefly sees Jack being attacked and brutally kicked in the groin and beaten and hit with a tire iron by three men. It seemed obvious to me that Laureen was callous and not the least bit saddened by her husband's death. In my view, Laureen's demeanor during the phone call with Ennis said, "That fu**ing qu**r got what he deserved, but this is my story and I'm sticking to it". Also, I thought Laureen utilized an intentional "pun" when she told Ennis, "Jack never did write his friends' addresses and phone numbers down; he kept them in his HEAD" (i.e., the primary interaction that occurred with these FRIENDS?). Therefore, Laureen most likely discovered her husband's sexuality, and had him murdered.
Fifth, if you watch this movie only once, the item that Ennis is carrying out of Jack's parents' house is vague and confusing. After watching the film again, it was then clear Ennis was taking his shirt back over 2 decades later (i.e., while horseplaying with Ennis during the end of their Summer together in 1963, Jack causes Ennis' nose to bleed; Jack keeps the shirt as a souvenir).
Sixth, after Ennis has a toast of congratulations with his daughter on her recent engagement and sends her off, Ennis' final words "Jack, I swear" are chilling, sad, and possibly vague. Nevertheless, I understood them to have meaning on multiple levels, such as "I wish we could have had that ranch together as you'd suggested", "I love you, Jack" (remember, Ennis just asked his daughter whether her soon to be husband loved her), and "I wish I knew how to quit you" (repeating Jack's words).
Hollywood loves sequels; I would not be surprised to see "Return to Brokeback Mountain" in the horizon. Will Ennis return to Jack's parents' ranch as promised? Will we see Alma Jr.'s wedding? Will Alma, Sr. and Laureen finally age a little? Will Jack's murderers be charged with a hate crime, and brought to justice? Will Ennis' financial difficulties eventually be resolved? Is Ennis doomed to loneliness in his empty, run down trailer in the middle of nowhere? With Jack dead, who will be Ennis' new "buddy"?
This movie had the saddest ending I've ever seen in a movie; I was very depressed after viewing this film.
I highly recommend it to movie lovers. This is NOT a gay cowboy movie. In this age of hate, tolerance is paramount. Anger should be directed towards the child molesters, not consenting adults.