Why Many Great Movies Have Subpar Endings

Have you ever watched a great movie only to be underwhelmed by its ending?

The Role of Revisions in Hollywood

There are two main reasons that come to mind for why great movies sometimes have subpar endings. The first is that the original script has been extensively rewritten. This is a common practice in Hollywood where a new director might hire their favorite screenwriter to 'pump up' the script. However, a screenwriter receives credit only if they write at least 50% of the script, which incentivizes significant alterations. While these changes can enhance the film, they can also detract from it, depending on the quality of the new elements added.

The Difficult Task of Writing Endings

The second reason is that the ending of a story is the most challenging aspect to write. This is due to the need to resolve and pay off all the narrative threads that were set up earlier in the story. The beginning of the story, on the other hand, is the most fun to write because you can establish any narrative, no matter how nonsensical it might seem – like the mysterious events in the TV series Lost.

In Lost, polar bears on a tropical island, an enigmatic hatch, and cryptic whispers in the dark were all established early in the series. Despite many fans hoping for a satisfactory explanation, the writers were unable to provide one due to the complexity of the storyline and the lack of resolution. While this maintained audience interest, it led to numerous unresolved elements by the end of the series.

The Art of Plot Resolution

For a movie, writers must create challenges for their protagonists that are seemingly insurmountable. Viewers should be left wondering how the protagonist will resolve these challenges, even if the writer doesn't have a clear solution themselves. This often leads to endings that might feel like a 'cop-out,' where the plot is tied up in a convenient but unsatisfying manner.

A notable example is the ending of Thelma and Louise, which has become a feminist icon. However, the ending could be seen as a cop-out because it is convenient to have the characters drive off a cliff, which was a common trope in action films. This reflection raises questions about the true impact of the narrative choices made and whether a more nuanced or open-ended conclusion might have been more satisfying.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the subpar endings in great movies can be attributed to extensive script rewriting and the inherent challenges of resolving a complex narrative. While these endings can sometimes feel like cop-outs, they often serve the purpose of bringing closure to the story in a way that is either satisfying or provocative. Understanding why these endings occur can deepen our appreciation for the art of storytelling.