The Best Endings of Hollywood Movies: From Dr Strangelove to Footloose
Choosing the best ending to a Hollywood movie is a subjective but endlessly fascinating endeavor. From the bleak and haunting to the uplifting and memorable, each film’s conclusion leaves a unique and lasting impression. In this article, we explore three critically acclaimed endings that stand out as particularly memorable and impactful.
Dr Strangelove: The Bleakest and Best Ending
Dr Strangelove: or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Hit the Bottom, directed by Stanley Kubrick in 1964, offers one of the bleakest yet most haunting endings in cinema. The film's final moments feature real footage of atomic bomb explosions set to Vera Lynn's soothing rendition of "We'll Meet Again." This juxtaposition of beauty with desolation creates a sense of unease and finality that is virtually unmatchable.
Kubrick's use of actual bomb footage, combined with the lighthearted melody of "We'll Meet Again," is a masterclass in contrasts. It emphasizes the absurdity of the nuclear threat and the inevitability of an impending doom. The bleakness of the ending underscores the movie's themes of paranoia, mistrust, and the potential for catastrophe in human behavior.
This ending is not merely the best in Dr Strangelove; it is one of the most iconic and memorable endings in the history of cinema. The combination of stark reality and subtle charm makes this film a timeless classic, and its ending a chilling and thought-provoking conclusion.
The Most Uplifting Ending in Serialization Haven: City Lights
Charles Chaplin's 1931 classic, City Lights, boasts one of the most uplifting endings in the history of Hollywood. The film, starring Chaplin as a blind flower girl and a millionaire who wants to help her, reaches its climax in a touching portrayal of human empathy and the power of hope.
Chaplin, universally recognized as one of the greatest entertainers in the history of cinema, crafts a scene that resonates deeply with audiences. In the final moments, the impoverished tramp (played by Chaplin) rescues the flower girl from the clutches of his more wealthy rival. They share a desperate yet hopeful smile before he leaves, leaving her with the hope of a better life.
This scene captures the essence of hope, and it is a candidate for the most impactful moment in cinema. The touching finale, where the two part ways with a fierce determination and belief in one another, symbolizes an indomitable spirit that endures adversity. Chaplin's performance conveys a raw and genuine emotion that touches the heart of every viewer, proving why he deserves his place as one of the greatest entertainers of all time.
City Lights is a testament to the power of cinema to evoke deep emotions and inspire hope, making its ending a timeless masterpiece.
Feel-Good Resolution: Footloose
For those seeking a more upbeat and feel-good ending, Footloose, starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, provides exactly that. The film, directed by Herbert Ross and released in 1984, ends with a heartwarming and climactic moment that celebrates personal growth and unity.
The movie follows Ren McCormack (played by Patrick Swayze) as he introduces modern dance to a conservative town where dancing is forbidden. His journey culminates in a heartfelt and passionate performance, during which he brings together the woman he loves, Sarah (played by Jennifer Grey), and the townspeople.
Ren and Sarah’s dance is a final moment of triumph, symbolizing their love and the triumph of hope over fear. Their partnership not only disrupts the final song but also symbolizes the breaking of barriers and the triumph of unity. The movie ends on a high note with a successful performance and a sense of communal joy.
The "climatic lift" of this ending, where the audience leaves the theater feeling uplifted and inspired, is a testament to the power of cinema to bring people together and leave them with a sense of hope and joy. The scene is a perfect example of a movie ending that leaves a lasting impact on viewers and cements Footloose as a beloved classic.
In conclusion, the best endings to Hollywood movies are those that resonate with our emotions, challenge us, and leave us with a sense of hope or triumph. From the monumental in Dr Strangelove to the uplifting in City Lights, and the feel-good resolution in Footloose, each of these endings offers a unique perspective on the human experience and the enduring power of cinema to move us.