Whatever happened to happy endings?
- Thread starter Vrex360
- Start date
It's cyclical - you have periods of optimism and periods of cynicism - we're in a cynical period right now. When people get tired of it, things will swing around in the other direction.
Every so often, having all of the heroes die is a good thing, or the appropriate end. House of 1000 Corpses was a good example of this. It was the appropriate ending. Happy ending are in somewhat of a decline because they so filled movies and games in the past. Think, though: How many classic literatures have the good side losing? Off the top of my head, just about any of Shakespeare's tragedies. Those weren't happy endings, but they still taught something. Why must all things end happily? Sometimes, in order for something to be best taught/conveyed, sorrow/regret must be present.
How limited are your movies? Bad endings I can think of right off the bat are: Saw series, Set it off, They and that is just the beginning of the list. Bad guys don't play fair and usually have a very organized plan. Cliche just demands that the plans be fucked over, thats all. Bad guys have as much of a right to win as the good guys, from the movie/book point of view. All though, most movies have taken bad endings a little too far.Agayek said:
I was thinking about coming in and giving my two cents, but after skimming the thread, I see that every angle has already been beaten to death. So I'll just say that happy endings and sad endings and bittersweet and completely depressing endings all have a place, and it would be boring if they didn't.
Hmm I just finished a fantasy novel, and everybody was happy. All the important characters were appointed high positions in the kingdom, from guys which were slain in battle. The dude and the chick got married, and lived happily ever after... A bit disappointing, since this outcome would have appeared impossible a couple of dozens of pages ago. In conclusion... No need to always have a happy ending, as long as there's a bit of closure (or a sequel) I'm happy.
Well they have been cracking down on most massag...
(Whisper)"What kind" (Whisper)"Oh moooovies"
Um well no I have been seeing a pretty good balance of happy and sad endings actually. The only place I have seen a epic rise in Sad or tragic endings is with books. No one wants everyone to live anymore. It's kinda sad.
(Whisper)"What kind" (Whisper)"Oh moooovies"
Um well no I have been seeing a pretty good balance of happy and sad endings actually. The only place I have seen a epic rise in Sad or tragic endings is with books. No one wants everyone to live anymore. It's kinda sad.
I really don't care about whether an ending is Happy or Sad in all honesty, they both can work really well. However an ending really does need closure, and thats the problem now adays with games, films, tv programs etc. None of the endings have closure, they leave it open incase they can milk more money off it, and consequently it kills the entire story because the story is never finished.
I think Code Geass R2 currently sits at the top of the pile for my favourite ending. They really did close that off well. I think the sad part is that theyre apparently making another series. Will completely kill the closure they made. :/
I think Code Geass R2 currently sits at the top of the pile for my favourite ending. They really did close that off well. I think the sad part is that theyre apparently making another series. Will completely kill the closure they made. :/
The Watchmen was especially interesting about it, seeing as how the "villain's" victory is what saved the world. It was even a fairly POSITIVE ending, death toll notwithstanding.
Personally, I think different stories call for different endings. Putting a downer ending where one isn't due feels just as artificial and forced as an improbably happy ending.
Personally, I think different stories call for different endings. Putting a downer ending where one isn't due feels just as artificial and forced as an improbably happy ending.