MovieChat Forums > One Eight Seven (1997) Discussion > Illogical Ending

Illogical Ending

posted 11 years ago by TheaterJo
5 replies | jump to latest

If Garfield wanted accountability from the students, he would have refused to play Russian roulette, and would have insisted that if Cesar wanted him dead, he would have to do it himself. This way, Cesar could have at least been investigated for the murder, if not convicted of it, and Garfield would have made his point. This melodramatic, titillating choice in the script was way off base and not in line with (as we actors say) what Garfield was 'fighting for.' I do agree with other posters that Jackson was great, though.

[–] liverpool26 11 years ago

I don't think he wanted accountability from them he was showing them how stupid their way of life is. I can't remember the exact words as it's been a while since I've seen it but Jackson says something like 'this macho stuff is *beep* your whole way of life is *beep* ceaser says 'but it's all I've got'

He made him realise the gangster life is pointless unfortunately it was too late for ceaser but after he shot himself the other two realised they needed to change, one of them even says 'what's the point'

Jackson was trying to reach the kids and teach them if it was about accountability Jackson should have handed himself in for the murders he committed.

[–] stevenackerman69 10 years ago

I think they would've done that if he hadn't agreed to play RR.

[–] MarkAntney 10 years ago

1. What you're forgetting he was Fired,..for actually helping a Student. That (I believe) crushed him more than the stabbing and the Gangster Students.

2. But (the scene you noted in the end, to me) he saw that he even reached Cesar when he broke him down,...which is WHY HE TOOK THE BULLET for him.

I actually believe the ending was perfect (taking into account all the chaos he was surrounded by), because it seems he really wanted to teach those that needed his help the most (impoverished areas) but those students were surrounded by crime and Gangsters.

[–] enriquesinghjr 10 years ago

Throughout the movie he was trying to recover his motivation for his job... which he had lost back in NY when he was attacked... in LA he wasn't able to do this, and beyond that he was fired for trying to be a good teacher... so he went from "Zombie Mode" to "*beep* Being Alive Mode".

I can identify with his character since I've been on "Zombie Mode" for almost a decade.

[–] MarkAntney 9 years ago

Concentrate your efforts on those (students) that appreciate what you're doing (for them). I know they're there, for I recall when I was a young student and I've dated a Teacher or two.