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[Diablos]

There are spoilers, and I'm not using spoiler tags because the entire post is about the spoiler. If you read on and you haven't watched the movie, it's your own fault.



I watched this a couple days ago and I really, really enjoyed it. Definitely one of the best movies I've seen in a while. But the ending was a little uh... unfufilled I guess? Does the final (and also repeating) scene of them walking along the beach enjoying themselves imply that they keep going to get their memory erased over and over? If so, that's extremely depressing, what a crappy way to continue living your life. But it's confusing, because Mary finally realized she had her memories wiped away too, and that's why she sent everyone their tapes. So you would think they'd finally understand that getting their memory wiped was a bad idea to begin with, and would do one of two things: learn to live with each other or break up (for good.) I figured listening to director commentary would help me figure out the last scene, but they basically left it at "ah yes, we'll just leave it up to the viewer to decide." I hate that.

 

[AlphaSnake]

No, I don't think that was the case, actually. First time I've ever heard the theory, really.

 

[Jeffahn]

Discussion? Spoilers? Commentary?

Wait, ESotSM has an ending? I don't actually remember.

...

 

[aku:jiki]

That's exactly how I took the ending (or, well, the whole movie). I know exactly the type of relationship it depicts since I've had way too many of them.

 

[MrCheez]

I'm having trouble remembering the ending exactly, but it sounds like the shot you are talking about is suppose to just be a repeating flashback - not a future event that would make things "full circle". It was probably just shown again to drive home how perfect things were and how happy they both were at the time.

I thought the only aspect of the ending that was 'left to the viewer' was simply whether or not the two characters get back together (and if their relationship could work out, if they did).

Loved the hell out of this movie, btw.

 

[andthebeatgoeson]

The ending made the movie for me. After suffering through the first hour and not understanding the direction, it finally made sense. They were so much in love, even though it falls apart, it's implied that even if they get their memory erased, they'll still end up together. You can erase your memory but you can't change who you are. Or who you'll love. I thought the ending was great and redeemed the movie for me.

 

[Pochacco]

I took the ending, simply, as "our relationship wasn't, and won't be, perfect...but who cares; it's worth it".

 

[Diablos]

So you think it was that simple eh? Then why would Elijah Wood say it was left up to the viewer to decide?

 

[impirius]

I think the decision the viewer has to make is whether or not their relationship will work out. It seems clear that they decide to get back together, but will the relationship fall apart like last time? Will the knowledge that it didn't work out before change anything, and if so, will it help them overcome their problems or doom them to failure?

 

[Diablos]

But why does it repeat over and over like it did when he was trying to avoid memories being erased..?

 

[MrCheez]

The beach scene can be taken as symbolism (for all the good and happiness their relationship brought them before it went sour? Or perhaps symbolism for regret for something lost / nostalgia). Showing it again at the end doesn't mean they actually went to the beach again.

Not to say that the way you interpreted it isn't interesting, but I don't think it is was what they were going for.