The Infuriating Ender: Why Some Movie Endings Fail to Delight

Despite the vast array of creative and engaging storytelling in films, there are instances where the final moments leave viewers feeling frustrated and dissatisfied. This phenomenon is particularly notable in modern movies, which often tend to have an unconventional flair when it comes to their endings. However, it is essential to acknowledge that older movies were not always immune to such pitfalls. This article explores several instances where the endings of certain films have garnered criticism and why they disappointed viewers.

The Great Silence: A Grievous Taste of Unrealibility

The critically acclaimed 1971 Italian Western film, The Great Silence, is a prime example of a movie whose ending is often labeled as one of the most infuriating. Despite the film's status as a classic, it has become a point of contention for many viewers. The film draws inspiration from Clint Eastwood's better-known "Man With No Name" series but lacks the nuanced direction and storytelling that Eastwood brought to the genre. More than the rip-off aspect, the ending of The Great Silence is often cited as the most egregious.

The film's conclusion, which is described as "the most sadistic and stupid ending I have ever seen in any movie," has left a lasting impression on film critics as well as the casual viewer. Even those who typically enjoy gory slasher films, like my brother, shared this sentiment. The anachronistic props and illogical plot developments in the finale made it a memorable (albeit in a distressing way) moment for many watching.

Pan's Labyrinth: A Visually Appealing but Soul-Disappointing Conclusion

Pan's Labyrinth (2006), another film praised for its beautiful visuals and thought-provoking narrative, also faces significant criticism for its ending. The movie, directed by Guillermo del Toro, has a complex and surreal storyline that captivates many viewers due to its imaginative visuals and forensic style of directing. However, its finale often leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of spectators, much to the dismay of long-time del Toro fans.

During a viewing with a close friend, Mary, we agreed that the movie's visuals were often stunning, but the overall experience was disappointing. The final scene was particularly divisive, appearing to lack a coherent purpose and direction. Both Mary and I departed the theater feeling unfulfilled and, at times, disturbed by the end of the journey.

Bushwick: An Unforgettable Yet Inconceivable Coda

An American action movie titled Bushwick, although esteemed for its energy and early scene-pieces, falters as it progresses, culminating in a genuinely infuriating ending. This film, riddled with sloppy and unintelligent moments, closed with a pointless and confusing "shock" ending that failed to achieve its intended shock effect, instead serving as a source of frustration and irritation for the audience.

Vinyan: A Dishonorable Betrayal of Logic and Emotional Engagement

Vinyan, another film lauded for its enchanting scenery, still manages to disappoint viewers with the behavior of its lead females. The final scene of the film is a betrayal that is both unwarranted and illogical. Its incoherent nature and lack of cohesion left many viewers unsatisfied, despite the film's numerous noteworthy elements.

Hereditary: A Tangled Web of Violence and Meaninglessness

The 2018 film Hereditary, while praised for its acting, succumbs to a convoluted and frustrating conclusion that is as impenetrable as it is ill-logical. The movie builds upon layers of illogical premises, leaving the ending as a predictable homage to The Sentinel (1977). This final act feels like a waste of the movie's potential, delivering an unsatisfying and deeply frustrating experience to viewers.

Glass: A Frustrating Superhero Trifecta

The 2019 film Glass disappoints in nearly every aspect. Its crescendo is both anticlimactic, boring, and apathetic, failing to create the sense of compelling action or drama that one would expect. For viewers invested in the earlier installments of the superhero trilogy, the ending may come across as particularly hollow and unsatisfying. The fourth film in the series squanders the energy and anticipation generated by its predecessors.

Beyond Bleak: When Endings Are the Final Straw

Beyond the notion of a bleak ending, movies like Brazil, United States vs. Carol]()>, Cabaret, and Star Is Born embrace dark and unpredictable conclussions that are logically sound and well-earned. These films deviate from the conventions of storytelling yet still leave a lasting impact on viewers due to their honesty and dedication to their characters. In contrast, the films mentioned above are criticized for their overly dramatic, often crutch-like, twists that seem forced and illogical. These endings serve as a crutch rather than a natural progression of the narrative, which often leads to a sense of dissatisfaction.

The End as a Cliché

The use of twist endings has become so common in modern cinema that it is in danger of becoming a crutch for lackluster storytelling. Characters like Rod Serling, and later writers for The Twilight Zone, and Planet of the Apes, were masters of delivering surprise turns in their narrative. However, modern writers often fall short, utilizing twist endings in an unskillful manner without the same level of logic and cohesion found in their masters. Consequently, these endings are often viewed as cheap tactics intended to shock rather than enrich the storytelling experience.

In conclusion, the endings of some movies tend to leave viewers feeling frustrated and disappointed, particularly when they lack logical coherence or serve as mere shock value at the expense of storytelling and character development. While it is true that not all viewers share these sentiments, the criticism of certain endings highlights the importance of a well-crafted and satisfying conclusion in guiding the audience through the entire narrative journey.