Rewriting Endings: A Debate on Closure and Ambiguity

As story tellers and fans, we are often drawn to the complexity of endings. Whether in a movie or a book, the conclusion leaves a lasting impact on our perceptions and emotions. In this article, we will explore the concept of rewriting film and show endings and why some endings might benefit from clarity while others thrive on ambiguity.

Revisiting Inception: A Case for Closure

2010’s Inception, directed by Christopher Nolan, is a deeply complex and intriguing film with its ambiguous ending. Dom Cobb, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, spins a top to determine if he is still in a dream or in reality. The film ends on this ambiguous note, leaving the audience questioning Cobb’s fate. While Nolan may have chosen this ending to encourage discussion and discussion, a clearer resolution could provide a greater sense of closure for the audience.

By definitively showing the top fall, indicating that Cobb is in reality, the film would reinforce its themes of reality and perception. This clear resolution would also align with the film’s overarching themes of personal growth and the struggle between dreams and reality, providing an emotional payoff for viewers who have invested in Cobb’s journey.

The Multiverse of Buffy and Angel: Navigating Change and Redemption

Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spin-off Angel have been beloved for their rich narrative and character development. However, their finales have been subject to much debate. In Buffy, while the ending marks the end of an era with a hopeful note, the survival of the Core Four except for Xander’s eye has always bothered viewers. Xander’s single permanent injury during the decade-long series felt out of place with the overall message of growing up and the inevitable end of childhood.

Joss Whedon forced a growth on the group when he killed Joyce, Buffy’s mother, in season 5. However, for the series to truly mark the end of an era, Giles, whose presence acted as a residual parental figure, should have also perished. This would underscore the theme of moving on and confronting reality, rather than clinging to the past. Furthermore, the loss of one of the Core Four would have been fitting given the series’ belief that true heroes make significant sacrifices.

In Angel, the series ultimately concluded in a rushed and unsatisfying manner. While Wesley’s scenes provided a touching end, Lindsey’s character deserved a more fitting closure. Lindsey was given a solitary opportunity for redemption in season 1 and later in season 5, he began to accept and understand his true nature. His efforts to redeem himself were significant, even though he was ultimately unsuccessful. However, his death at the hands of Lorne, particularly given Lorne’s role as a pacifist, was unfair and inconsistent with the show’s themes of redemption and human struggle.

Instead of Lindsey’s death, the series could have concluded with a harrowing battle involving the 10,000 demons, culminating in a thorough fight that never ends. The final scenes could have depicted the weary champions returning to their headquarters, only to be immediately summoned for a new battle. This would underscore the themes of never-ending struggle and the inevitability of continuing the fight against evil.

Conclusion: The Art of Ending a Story

Whether to rewrite an ending for better clarity or to maintain the ambiguity of a narrative is a choice that often comes down to the message the creator wishes to convey and the emotional impact they want to achieve. While closure can bring a sense of satisfaction and reinforce key themes, ambiguity can encourage ongoing discussion and reflection.

Ultimately, the best endings are ones that resonate with the story and characters, providing a fitting endpoint that allows the audience to draw their own conclusions and continue the journey in their minds. Whether a movie or a book, the ending sets the stage for how the story is remembered and cherished.