MovieChat Forums > The Mephisto Waltz (1971) Discussion > Loved the Ending...

Loved the Ending...

posted 15 years ago by bbr00ks
2 replies | jump to latest

Just caught this on HBO. This is a great 70's era movie - a bit dated in parts but reliant more on the twisting plot and great ensemble cast of actors to create the suspense rather than modern FX, hip dialogue, or blood and gore. I thought the shock ending really made the movie. I think most of the criticism of the end stems from the fact that (SPOILERS)in the end Jacqueline proves to be as vindictive and ambitious as everyone else in the movie. She realizes that the only way to keep Jergens/Perkins from being together is to play their game - her only alternative is to be killed herself. This "shocker" ending leaves everyone compromised - like you would expect of anyone making a bargain with with devil. I think some folks are disappointed that there was no revenge and no real winners at the end but I think they are missing the point of the movie.
\\

I would recommend this to any fan of 70s era movies and a must see for horror buffs.

[–] freakseed 15 years ago

I agree with you bbr00ks. I just finished reading the other thread on these boards where everyone seems to hate the ending; even suggesting other, "better" ways to do it. But personally I think the ending (hell, the whole movie for that matter) is great as is. (SPOILER) Jacqueline may not "win" in the end but by transfering into Roxanne's body, not only is she getting back Myles' body to herself, but she also ensures that Duncan doesn't "win" either. There doesn't need to be a whole "realization" of revenge for this film to work. Back in 1971 when Satanism was getting a lot of attention I could see the ending of this film reinforcing people's paranoia that your loved one may not really be who you think they are.
It's simple, genius.

[–] FishHeadSweety 11 years ago

i'm one of those who didn't like the ending, mainly because Jacqueline wanted to boff her fake husband 1 more time, rather than for the sake of body-switching justice.. although, as a horror fan, i will be mocking that for a long time.
ps. i thought Bisset did a great acting job.