I liked the film

Antonioni wanted to leave the ending vague so that we would draw our own conclusions. Thus the long shot in the end. Jack and Maria must have known as well. So, in my humble opinion, they played their characters flat and ambiguous as to not reveal any of their characters intentions. I believe this is why the film has not become iconic.

Why not let these two characters loose? Why not allow them to have passion for life, desire and a hope for the future? Would that have ruined the film? Instead, he dies in the end just as disinterested with life as in the beginning with little transition or arch. Both lives he led seemed like they could have been incredibly exciting. Why not let them be? Why write him as a depressed journalist documenting a war in Africa taking on the life of a fearless gun runner. It could have been a depressed accountant taking on the life of a travelling encyclopedia salesman and I would have believed it more. I'm a little confused with his choices. nonetheless a beautifully shot film with moments of brilliance. Well worth the time to watch it.