The Structure of the Movie and Film Editing

[CANSTANDIT]

Oh, don't worry, dear.

[Ministering angel]

Hmm, may be a stretch to refer to this as a "nuzzle". 

More like a muzzle. But the positioning is the same, just with totally different results.

[garyd]

Different results is an understatement. 

At the risk of entering grumpy old man territory again....
While I know y'all have had great fun treasure hunting for bookends in the film,
the truth is there aren't any.
There are two remarkable framing shots and one exquisite opening sequence.
If AL had actually incorporated all the "bookends' discussed in these threads he would
not have even been nominated for an Oscar much less receive one.
Spielberg endured endless criticism for his use of the bookend technique at the beginning and end of "Saving Private Ryan" and were
it not for the genius of the invasion sequence might not have received the Oscar for that very reason.
I am afraid bookends or framing shots are considered a cliche and most directors avoid them.

[Marc]

Another pair of scenes:

-- Aguirre on the phone.  My theory is he's telling Jack's partner from the previous summer that he won't hire him again.

-- Next summer, when Aguirre does the same thing to Jack.

[Sandy]

Interesting bookends, marc.

I don't know that in the first scene Aguirre is actually talking to Jack's partner from the previous summer, but I think it works really well as a foreshadowing of Aguirre turning Jack down for the following summer (post-Ennis).

[Marc]

I like the theory that Aguirre is talking to Jack's partner from 1962 because otherwise it could anybody.  It's also more fun to think that that's who it iis.

[CANSTANDIT]

It is a male voice..I hear it every time, and it sounds young...high-pitched and fast. So, maybe. There is a reason they want us to hear that voice on the other end...unless they are just trying to make it realistic.

[Marc]

And does he not want to use that guy again because of the 25% loss or for some other reason?  Inquiring minds wants to know.  Maybe another thread.

[Sandy]

I still think we are meant to focus on the capacity of Aguirre to deny requests. That would make sense if, like a number of other posters, you ascribed god-like control to him. So whoever he is talking to at the other end matters much less than his lack of flexibility. IMO.