The Greatest Film Ending of All Time
 

Which film has the greatest ending of all time? I am not looking for a list so much as just one film and the reason why you feel it most deserving.

I would pick Chaplin’s The Circus. The ending is simple and bittersweet – the Little Tramp, selflessly letting go of the girl he loved so that she could be with the one she loved, sits alone in the center of what had been the ring. A scrap of paper – a remnant from the girl’s horseback riding act – is at his feet. The tattered paper with a star in the center represents everything he lost; fame, hope for the future and the girl he loved. He picks it up, crumbles it into a ball, and kicks it backward. Then, the solitary figure, straightening himself up, shakes off his past and walks away from us into the morning light and an uncertain future.

Chaplin, of course, used this image often (and even satirised it in his dark comedy, Monsieur Verdoux) but never was used to such a brilliant effect. Perhaps, the single loneliest image in film and for me, the greatest of all time.

To see clip, click here

By the way, the clip was filmed in Glendale, CA., approx. the spot where Woodrow Wilson Middle School is to-day.

You know my pick, but I do not know yours. Pray tell.

Wow... haven't seen that particuar one, but I was going to nominate a similar silent film starring Lon Chaney - can't remember the film's name, but he plays a thief who pretends to be an armless knife throwing sideshow act, falls in love with a girl who is afraid to be held by a man. He loves her so much, in fact, that he goes to a surgeon to get his arms actually removed lest she discover his ruse, and while he's recovering she gets over it and falls in love with the man she was afraid to be held by. He gives her up and has to live the rest of his life w/out arms.

Night of the Living Dead (original)

Soylent Green, baby!

Okay, not really.

Oh, and Morrigoon is thinking of The Unknown (1927) - The object of Lon's affections? None other than Joan Crawford!

I like the end of "The Searchers", the way they use the doorway and the shadows.

the original Planet of the Apes has a great ending.


I can't call it, or any, the best. But I'd be happy to suggest candidates as they occur to me.

My favorite is still The Godfather. That look of utter horrific realization in Diane Keaton's eyes as the door closes had me utterly stunned.

"Jungle red!"

(^^^ what I was expecting Cherny to say)

Slight tangent, but I oft think of my favorite OPENING to a film: Desperado. Steve Buscemi is bloody brilliant in this opening. Fun film!

Blade Runner (the director's cut), Brazil, Fight Club...