The Thrill of the Thrill: Iconic and Falls-Flat Endings in the Genre
In the world of thrillers, the ending can make or break the entire movie. A well-crafted climax can leave audiences on the edge of their seats, while a disappointing one can leave them feeling unsatisfied. In this article, we’ll explore iconic and falls-flat endings in the thriller genre, from the masterpieces of Hitchcock to the more questionable conclusions of modern blockbusters.
Top 10 Iconic Thriller Endings
1. Psycho (1960) – Director Alfred Hitchcock’s brand of suspense is on full display in this classic, with a twist ending that still shocks audiences to this day.
2. Black Swan (2010) – Darren Aronofsky’s psychological thriller keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, with a finale that raises more questions than it answers.
3. The Silence of the Lambs (1991) – Jonathan Demme’s chilling film features a show-stopping finale that pits Clarice Starling against Buffalo Bill in a heart-pumping cat-and-mouse game.
4. Se7en (1995) – Director David Fincher’s brand of dark, gritty realism is on full display in this classic, with a haunting finale that lingers long after the credits roll.
5. The Third Man (1949) – Orson Welles stars as the enigmatic Harry Lime in this classic thriller, which features a pulse-pounding sewer chase that still holds up today.
Top 5 Falls-Flat Endings
1. The Village (2004) – M. Night Shyamalan’s twist ending falls flat due to a lack of setup and a huge expositional reveal.
2. Shutter Island (2010) – Martin Scorsese’s experimentation with the departing patient’s mind can be jarring, making the twist ending feel underwhelming.
3. Now You See Me (2013) – The reveal of Agent Rhodes as the mastermind behind the Four Horsemen is poorly executed and undermines the rest of the film.
4. Us (2019) – Jordan Peele’s sophomore effort misses the mark with a finale that raises more questions than it answers, and feels overly expositional.
5. I Am Legend (2007) – The film’s disappointing ending is a far cry from the emotional resonance of the original 1964 novel, and sets the stage for a more faithful adaptation in the upcoming sequel.
Whether you’re a fan of twisting plots or pulse-pounding action, there’s something out there for everyone in the world of thrillers. But with so many options available, it’s crucial to prioritize a well-crafted ending that leaves a lasting impression.