MovieChat Forums > Double Indemnity (1944) Discussion > Ending makes no sense

Ending makes no sense

posted a year ago by JasonMovieGuy88 (51)
4 replies | jump to latest

SPOILER

Once again we get the ambiguous lazy ending where the filmmakers decide to “leave it up to the audience” on the character’s fate.

Walter lies bleeding from being shot, and his friend lights a cigarette while they wait for an ambulance and the police…

I thought he was dying. Did he die?? Or are we to believe Fred McMurray’s Walter survives and goes to prison? “You’ll never make it to the elevator” says his boss. That to me implies he’s going to die before the ambulance gets there. He gave Walter one last cigarette out of respect and friendship, but knows it’s all over.

I’ve read through dozens of critics and their reviews for the film, but when it comes to the ending there is no consensus. Thoughts?

[–] marktayloruk (2502) a year ago

Originally planned to end it with him in the gas chamber.

[–] Callahan7 (1158) a year ago

https://filmnoir.art.blog/2008/04/09/double-indemnity-the-unseen-ending/

An ending with Walter Neff being executed in the gas chamber was filmed. It was cut for unknown reasons. A still photo exists and is in the above link.

Perhaps the studio liked the ambiguous ending. I liked the ending too. OP- it is up to the viewer to decide what was Neff's probable fate.

A great film.

[–] Stratego (30511) 8 months ago

I don't see the problem. He either dies right there or in the gas chamber. No happy ending for him.

[–] liscarkat (18429) 8 months ago

There was a gas chamber scene filmed, but it was left off because leaving Neff's fate to the imagination of the audience is a perfect ending. He going to bleed out that night, or he's going to Death Row. Either way, it's grim. Perfect.