Some of the most iconic films in cinema that you thought had reached its definitive conclusion, have a secret that may excite or disappoint you — an alternate ending. Alternate endings are often hidden away in the director’s cut or DVD extras. They give us a look into a parallel universe of ‘what could have been’.
What is an Alternate Ending in Film?
First, let’s define an alternate ending
An alternate ending provides a 'what if' scenario, allowing viewers to explore a different outcome and its implications on the story. Let's look at the definition of alternate endings in film.
ALTERNATE ENDING DEFINITION
What is an alternate ending in film?
An alternate ending is a variant conclusion to the storyline of a film, divergent from what was initially presented or planned. These endings are often created during the filmmaking process, either as a creative experiment, a response to audience feedback during test screenings, or to offer a different perspective on the narrative.
Not all alternate endings make it to the final cut seen in theaters. They might be included as special features in DVD or Blu-ray releases, or shown in director's cuts or anniversary editions of films.
This narrative tool has the power to reshape our understanding of characters and plotlines, adding a layer of depth and intrigue to the cinematic experience. Alternate endings are used to challenge the audience's assumptions and expectations, often providing a more complex and nuanced resolution to the story.
What is an Alternate Ending Used For?
- Invoke viewer curiosity
- Challenge audience expectation
- Convey nuanced resolution
- Realize the director's alternative ending
What is an Alternate Ending Used For?
The Role of Alternate Endings to Movies
Alternate endings serve a variety of purposes, going beyond mere cinematic footnotes. They offer a captivating glimpse into the creative process of filmmaking and show how a small change in the story can entirely transform our interpretation.
Exploring Different Possibilities
Alternate endings allow filmmakers to explore different possibilities for how a story can unfold. By presenting alternative outcomes, filmmakers can challenge our expectations and keep us engaged in the narrative.
Enhancing Character Development
Alternate endings can provide valuable opportunities for character development. They allow filmmakers to delve deeper into a character's psyche or showcase their growth by presenting different choices and consequences.
Sparking Discussion and Debate
Alternate endings often spark lively discussions and debates among viewers. They invite us to reflect on the themes, messages, and moral dilemmas presented in the film.
Adding Layers of Complexity
Alternate endings can add layers of complexity to a film, enriching the storytelling experience. They can introduce new twists, surprises, or even challenge the conventional notions of closure.
Next time you come across an alternate ending in a film, remember it's not just a random addition, but a deliberate choice made by filmmakers. These endings give us a fascinating peek into their creative process and open up a world of storytelling possibilities for us to explore.
Director's vs Studio's Vision
Alternate endings can also reveal the tension between a director's creative vision and the studio's commercial interests. When directors are given more freedom to showcase their original endings, it can result in a more authentic and satisfying conclusion for both the filmmaker and viewers.
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Alternate Ending Examples
Famous Alternate Endings in Cinema
In the world of cinema, there exist alternate realities where different outcomes transpire. Let's delve into some of these famous alternate endings and explore the reasons behind their existence.
Blade Runner
One of the best neo-noir films, Blade Runner, is a prime example of multiple endings. The original release ends with Gaff sparing Rachael's life, allowing her and Deckard to escape the dystopian Los Angeles.
However, in Ridley Scott’s director’s cut of the film, the final scene ends ambiguously with the viewers left questioning the nature of humanity.
Blade Runner Alternate Ending
These changes were made to provide a more thought-provoking ending, moving away from the conventional happy ending of the original release. Ridley Scott's ending, compared to the studio-led ending, aligns better with the overall tone of the film.
Get Out
Jordan Peele’s Get Out initially had a much darker ending. In this version, Chris is arrested by the police after strangling Rose. This ending was changed because Peele felt that the audience needed a hero who gets away, thus giving us the ending where Rod rescues Chris.
Jordan Peele's Commentary on Alternate Ending · Get Out (2017)
The alternate ending is a stark reminder of the grim reality of racial injustices, a theme central to the film's narrative.
Clerks
Kevin Smith’s indie classic, Clerks, originally ended with Dante Hicks being shot by a robber. Test audiences found this ending too bleak, prompting Smith to revise it.
Clerks · Original Ending
The final cut ends on a more positive note, with Dante closing up the convenience store and looking forward to the next day, providing a more relatable and less dark conclusion to the film.
Scott Pilgrim vs The World
In Edgar Wright's Scott Pilgrim vs The World, the original ending had Scott ending up with Knives Chau.
Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World Alternate Ending
After test screenings, however, the filmmakers decided that Scott should end up with Ramona Flowers instead, aligning more closely with the graphic novels the film is based on. This change in ending provided a more satisfying conclusion for fans of the source material.
I Am Legend
In the original ending of I Am Legend, Robert Neville realizes that the infected humans retain some of their humanity and are merely trying to rescue one of their own.
I Am Legend · Alternate Ending (2007)
This ending was deemed too complex and intellectual for test audiences, leading to a more action-oriented finale where Neville sacrifices himself to save others. The alternate ending provides a deeper exploration of the film's themes of humanity and survival.
Alternative endings are a cinephile's dream, giving us a glimpse into what could have been. They also serve as a reminder that there are always multiple ways a story can take and how many of these are explored by writers and filmmakers.
Up Next
Different Types of Story Endings
With this understanding of the intriguing world of alternate endings, let's now shift our focus to explore the different types of endings that storytellers often employ to conclude their narratives.
Up Next: Different Types of Story Endings →
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