10 Best Movie Endings That Were Originally Mysterious

BY ALI SAJJAD

Fasten your seat belts, film aficionados, as we prepare to embark on a thrilling expedition into the realms of cinematic mystery and revelation! Our journey promises to reveal fascinating behind-the-scenes truths of ten iconic movie endings, originally crafted to mystify and baffle. Every one of these films, unique masterpieces in their respective genres, did more than just perplex us and set our minds in overdrive. They also ignited endless discussions and speculations among both movie enthusiasts and critical pundits.

As we delve into these enigmatic finales, we'll uncover how their creators skillfully drew back the curtain, elucidating mysteries that have both haunted and thrilled us. So, let's dive into this cinematic treasure trove and unravel the secrets that lie beneath!

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10. The Prestige (2006)

Delve into a realm of illusion and competition with Christopher Nolan's captivating thriller, "The Prestige". This masterpiece subtly nudges us with its tagline - 'Are you watching closely?' and indeed, the film demands close scrutiny.

The intense rivalry between the magicians Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Borden (Christian Bale) spirals towards a shocking climax that leaves viewers astounded. The key to understanding Borden's 'Transported Man' trick and Angier's tragic end lies in Nolan's insightful narrative of 'real' science versus pure illusion. The use of Tesla's machine for creating Angier's clones, and the revelation of Borden's twin mystery provide an unforeseen depth to this mesmerizing cinematic tale.

So, when the curtain falls on the multitude of drowned Angier’s and Borden's double lives, the audience can't help but marvel at the well-crafted illusion of "The Prestige".

9. Lost Highway (1997)

David Lynch's enigmatic film, "Lost Highway", takes viewers on an abstract, disorienting journey that continues to provoke deep thought and debate.

?The film concludes with the protagonist, Fred Madison (Bill Pullman), speeding down a dark highway with flashing police lights tailing him - a perplexing scene that leaves audiences bemused.

According to Lynch, the film functions more on dream logic than conventional narrative norms. This is evident in the transformations of characters, the uncertainty of their personas, and the repetitive pattern of the storyline. These elements suggest a psychological interpretation, possibly denoting a guilt-ridden mind caught in an endless cycle of denial and evasion.

Even years after its release, "Lost Highway" remains a mind-bending puzzle, reflective of Lynch's genius storytelling.

8. Memento (2000)

Venture into the labyrinthine mind of Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce) in Christopher Nolan's mind-bending thriller, "Memento". The narrative, ingeniously constructed in reverse chronological order, amplifies the protagonist's anterograde amnesia, giving the audience a jolting taste of his disorientation.

The climax leaves viewers astounded as they witness Leonard manipulate his own 'memory system' to create a purpose for his existence - a purpose fuelled by vengeance. Nolan, in a masterstroke of revelation, makes it clear that Leonard's wife had, in fact, survived the assault, and it was Leonard himself who accidentally killed her with an insulin overdose. This paradoxical revelation - the victim being the killer, the hunter being the hunted - turns the narrative on its head, making "Memento" an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Nolan's striking commentary on the subjective nature of memory and reality leaves a lingering impact long after the credits roll. ?

7. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

With Michel Gondry at the helm, "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" expertly explores the profound depths of affection, remembrance, and the multifaceted nature of individuality, leaving an indelible imprint on the hearts and minds of its captivated audience.

The film weaves a nonlinear narrative that tells the tale of Joel Barish (Jim Carrey) and Clementine Kruczynski (Kate Winslet), whose relationship undergoes erasure from their memories. The movie's ending reveals the couple, post-memory erasure, inexplicably drawn to each other once again. Gondry suggests that some connections are so profound that they transcend the confines of memory. The idea that Joel and Clementine might be trapped in an eternal cycle of love and heartbreak leads to a bittersweet conclusion.

?It's a fascinating exploration of whether erasing painful memories would indeed lead to happiness, or if our experiences, both good and bad, are integral to our identities. As it persists in stirring emotions and arousing intellectual inquisitiveness, "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" enthralls with its compelling themes and impeccable craftsmanship.

6. ?Under the Skin (2013)

In Jonathan Glazer's hypnotic, science-fiction drama, "Under the Skin", the audience witnesses the chilling tale of an alien entity (played to perfection by Scarlett Johansson) navigating the Scottish landscape. The film's enigmatic ending is a striking culmination of its narrative, where the alien is revealed in its raw, true form. The film unfolds predominantly from the alien's perspective, her humanoid guise trapping men in a bizarre, viscous pool.

The climax presents a haunting tableau as the alien sheds her human skin, revealing a featureless, ebony figure beneath. Glazer leaves the audience with a tableau of the alien's 'true' form set against a snowy backdrop, a stark, metaphorical contrast between identity and disguise.

The ambiguity of the narrative is finally dispelled, replaced by a poignant commentary on humanity's fixation on appearance. With its disquieting atmosphere and thought-provoking ending, "Under the Skin" resonates as an allegory of existential dread.

5. American Psycho (2000)

A tale of superficiality and unchecked ego, Mary Harron's "American Psycho" is a biting satire on 1980s Wall Street culture. By day, a successful investment banker, and by night, a chilling serial killer, the protagonist Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale in a career-defining role) embodies duality in all its unsettling glory.

?The film's enigmatic conclusion offers a mind-bending twist, leaving viewers pondering the thin line between reality and delusion. Despite confessing his murders, Bateman finds himself in a world indifferent to his crimes, leading to speculation about the authenticity of his homicidal spree. Is Bateman truly a cold-blooded killer, or is he simply a delusional man trapped within the soulless world of Wall Street?

The film's ending, purposefully ambiguous, underscores the theme of dehumanization in a capitalist society, where even gruesome crimes become mere anecdotes in the corporate world. A blend of horror and social commentary, "American Psycho" continues to fascinate and provoke discussions on the nature of identity and morality.

4. Vanilla Sky (2001)

In Cameron Crowe's surreal romantic drama "Vanilla Sky", we are plunged into the confusing and distorted reality of David Aames (Tom Cruise), a wealthy publisher disfigured in a car crash.

This movie's mystifying ending is a complex web of reality, dreams, and technologically-induced lucid dreams. The reveal that David has been cryogenically frozen and is living in a lucid dream offers an explanation for the bizarre events throughout the film. The culmination of the story occurs when David must decide whether to continue in the illusory world or to face reality by 'waking up' - a leap from a tall building symbolizing his choice.

This unique conclusion was later clarified by Crowe himself, explaining the layered dream-within-a-dream sequence and giving audiences a newfound appreciation for the film's sophisticated narrative. Challenging the audience's perceptions of reality and exploring themes of mortality, love, and identity, "Vanilla Sky" offers an ending that leaves a lasting impact. ?

3. 12 Monkeys (1995)

Terry Gilliam's dystopian sci-fi thriller, "12 Monkeys", presents a hauntingly cyclical narrative around James Cole (Bruce Willis), a man sent back in time to prevent a deadly virus outbreak.

The mysterious ending of "12 Monkeys" is a masterclass in ambiguity, where the audience learns that Cole's mission was not to prevent the virus but to obtain a pure sample to create a cure in the future. This twist radically changes our understanding of the entire narrative.

The film ends with a young Cole witnessing his older self's death - a past event that has happened and will happen - emphasizing the inevitability and cyclical nature of time. Gilliam leaves the audience pondering over the paradoxes of time travel and fate. With its non-linear storytelling and complex temporal paradoxes, "12 Monkeys" leaves a profound impact, confirming its status as a classic in the annals of science fiction.

2. Fight Club (1999)

In David Fincher's legendary psychological thriller, "Fight Club," we are confronted with a conclusion that is both intellectually stimulating and visually mesmerizing in its enigmatic nature. The film revolves around the disaffected life of the unnamed protagonist (Edward Norton), who forms an alter ego in the shape of Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) and establishes an underground fight club.

The twist ending reveals that Durden and the protagonist are, in fact, the same person, a revelation that astounds audiences and sends them reeling. This audacious twist, clarified by the creators post-release, is a testament to the film's exploration of dissociative identity disorder and societal disillusionment.

As the movie concludes, the protagonist shoots himself to 'kill' Durden, a potent symbol of his struggle to regain control over his life. The film's final shot, of buildings collapsing around them, is as mysterious as it is profound, symbolizing the protagonist's victory over his alter ego, thus leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

1. Enemy (2013)

Denis Villeneuve's psychological thriller "Enemy" is a complex exploration of duality and identity, starring Jake Gyllenhaal in a dual role as history professor Adam Bell and actor Anthony Claire.

The film's enigmatic ending leaves viewers bewildered and fascinated, a giant spider looming in Adam's bedroom, a recurrent, symbolic theme throughout the movie. Villeneuve later explained this surreal conclusion as an allegory for Adam's fear of commitment and his cyclical pattern of infidelity. The spider, a representation of his oppressive guilt, hints at his internal struggle to escape from his self-destructive tendencies.

Through its expertly crafted allegories and symbolic motifs, "Enemy" beckons viewers to contemplate profound themes of self-identity, loyalty, and the illusions that weave around ourselves. Its puzzling conclusion, once deciphered, unveils a narrative richness that solidifies "Enemy" as an intriguing piece of cinematic artistry.

In conclusion, cinema continues to stun us with narratives that leave us awestruck and hungry for answers. The analyzed films, with their mysterious conclusions sparking debates, intrigue us with their complexities. It's these unsolved riddles, eventually demystified by their creators that underline the allure of these narratives. Their captivating plot twists and profound philosophies continue to enchant us, reinforcing the power of film as an unparalleled storytelling medium. So, buckle up for a re-watch, and let's dive back into these captivating cinematic mysteries with newfound insights!