The Fourth of July scene

Rating: 10/10 (4 January 2006)

Words fail me, other than to say this is a great movie- see it in a theater.
Well, I've seen it again since I last wrote-- and I really can't get it out of my mind. I've read so many of the hundred or so pages of comment, and the drift is clear-this special film is affecting a huge swath of society. Most of us are blindsided in the theater- we went to see a movie and instead had our lives rearranged by what unfolded on the screen.
I bought the soundtrack and had to stop driving to wipe tears from my eyes as the beautiful music evoked the incredible scenery and story. We recall the dialog so well because there is so little of it. And none wasted.
I re-read the short story, and half a box of Kleenex later felt that the film is so much more illustrative- having seen it adds to the book. Having read it adds to the film. I rate the film as better than the book.
A wonderful scene in the film has not generated much chat: the 4th of July. Ennis stands tall and strong to defend the women and children from the disgusting behavior of two goons. The imagery is not subtle. One shot shows Ennis standing straight (!) and tall, while fireworks go off in the background. He, the gay man, is the man of honor, courage and decency, standing tall while the others,(I don't like to use perjorative language, but most of us would not enjoy the company of these two fellows at home), behave in a way that we all turn away from. Interesting, the contrast between the 'straight' men and the 'gay' man. And the gay men are to be despised? That scene seems to make the point so forcefully.
I don't know what it is about this film that has so many of us writing about it. I thank all the others who have made so many thoughtful and heartfelt comments- it seems to deepen and prolong the experience. And, yes, I am going to see it again, on a big screen. And being forewarned about the emotional power of it did not stop the tears the second time around. I'll probably start sobbing next time with the opening credits. Bravo.