a closer look

Rating: 8/10 (8 December 2007)

It's funny if you look closely at the comments of those who liked the ending, they all focus on the emotional impact and the wow factor. But those who hate the ending all focus on logic and storytelling points. I even saw where one pro ending poster called every one who didn't like the ending, wussies. Hey good argument bud, big points to the deep thinker.
Truth is you must see the movie as a whole piece of work and not get excited by a shocking ending, while disregarding the progression of the piece thus far. Thomas Jane's character would not act as you might, or as the director might. He will act in accordance with his character, which has been to keep going, to keep trying. There is no impetus in the land rover scene to push beyond the bounds of his character. Even when he saw his dead wife he grieved for a moment then drove on. This is a type A personality and they don't just give into despair because they are out of gas. Heck, there was a time when man lived in the wild full of vicious predators for ages and it was people like Thomas Jane's character who insured the survival of the species.
The director did not earn this ending. If Darabont wanted this ending he should have shown a gradual descent on Jane's character's part. (for a great example of how this is done properly see "Descent") but since this was not done, then the ending becomes a cheap shot to get a knee jerk emotional reaction. Which obviously worked but hey people, the Emperor isn't wearing any cloths.
I loved the movie, ditch the ending and it works as one of the best horror movies I have seen in a while. And, no I do not like cookie cutter, all is well endings. I just think if you want a tragic poignant ending you must work your characters in that direction and in this case Darabont betrayed the integrity of his own film to force his message.
The worst part is that Darabont is to intelligent not to know it.