Happy Ending - Why Are Movies And Games Afraid Of Breaking Reality?

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Happy Ending - Why Are Movies and Games Afraid Of Breaking Reality?

When you take a look back on the history of cinema and video-games you begin to notice that most consumers are there for the same reason your uncle goes to that suspect massage parlour down the road - everyone wants a happy ending. It doesn't matter whether you're a popular school kid avoiding an unforgiving school principal, an Italian plumber munching on mushrooms or the latest brain dead character from one of those Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson train wrecks it all ends up the same - the boy gets the girl, evil is thwarted and everyone lives happily ever after.

Why are movies and video-games so afraid of providing that thought provoking, or even emotionally challenging ending that some movies truly deserve.

It becomes immediately apparent in Vince Vaughn's comedy Dodgeball how much weight an ending can really hold. For those of you who have seen the movie, you'll be familiar with the sudden death round that eventually sees Peter La Fluer (Vaughn) win the championship for The Average Joes and everyone lives happily ever after. Highly predictable yet almost satisfying because that is the ending that everyone expects for fulfillment.

Get the Adobe Flash Player to see this video.

However if you watch the above video which was included on the special edition DVD you'll see the original ending and all of a sudden the entire dynamic of the movie has shifted. Instead of the happy go lucky forgettable ending suddenly we have something that provides a massive amount of weight. We've watched this team struggle to get to the championship and now the movie abruptly ends on this sad note - everything until now means nothing because evil has won, the team has lost and it's something that is going to stick with you long after the final credits roll.

It's not just movies that are notorious for settling for the happy ending. Constantly we are subjected to rescuing the princess, saving the human race from certain doom and generally just making everything alright. While there are a handful of games out there that really shake things up they are few and far between.

SPOILER ALERT!!

This is why Red Dead Redemption worked so well. We had spent 20+ hours with out hero (if you could call him that) and it culminates in what was clearly an inevitable ending that not only provided a PERFECT ending to the tale, but still managed to shock players. Rockstar were not afraid to step out and provide an emotionally challenging and engaging ending that certainly wasn't a happy ending, and the narrative benefited from such a bold move.

Heavy Rain is another one that is truly a front runner when it comes to providing a consistent experience. While the ending largely depends upon what choices you make and the results yielded from said choices, the entire narrative can be rather unsettling and harrowing. One scene in particular sticks out in my mind a good twelve months after I experienced it - deciding whether to slice off my own fingers in order to learn the location of my son. I've never grimaced or hesitated with a game character before, nor have I since that very moment. That's a power that no amount of gameplay mechanics can provide.

Condemned: Criminal Origins is another fantastic example of what an ending can bring to the table. While the story could have well and truly ended with Ethan overcoming evil right there in that final area, the game ends on a cliffhanger cutscene that not only questions the entire spectrum of reality for the entire game, but also Ethan's very sanity.

SPOILERS OVER

So why are studios, directors and game developers so afraid of providing us with a dark and grim ending? While not every movie or game dictates a depressing, heart filled ending some of the greatest moments in cinema and games will be remembered for these emotionally charged moments.

We need more "Luke, I am your father" moments in our media, more of those Red Dead Redemption endings and some truly freaky moments like the ending of the original Psycho from Alfred Hitchcock.

You're already breaking reality by making movies and games, so bring us an ending we deserve.

By Stephen Heller

What is your favourite game ending? Discuss in the comments below

Link to us http://tv.mmgn.com/Articles/Happy-Ending-Why-Are-Movies-And-Games-Af

Article by: Heller 142748Kudos 19/09/2011

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Happy Ending - Why Are Movies And Games Afraid Of Breaking Reality? Comments

Kudos: 142,748

Heller

In recent times RDR is definitely my favourite ending. The devs weren't afraid to do what had to be done, and I thought it was extremely memorable.

19/09/2011

Melbourne, Victoria

Kudos: 42,024

Milky

Red Dead Redemption ending sucked. It wasn't about "wanting that happy ending", it just isn't a game you want that ending for. After spending 20+ hours with a character, you don't want that character just to die because it makes everything seem worthless. Anybody that played RDR for anything other than the story and John Marston was playing it for the wrong reasons. John Marston was what made every up until the ending so awesome about RDR and then to have him die made the game worthless. I know it did for me and, judging by what I've heard from other people, I am not alone.

Now Condemned, phew that was an ending. An ending that got completely ruined by a piss-poor sequel. So I guess we don't have to worry about that for RDR #upside.

19/09/2011

come on, i only want a cuddle!

Kudos: 142,748

Heller

I see your point of John making RDR fantastic - without his personality on that journey the game would have been flat. However he was a criminal, regardless of how you look at it. His past finally caught up with him, and by mixing with the wrong people he ended up in his situation.

He saved his family, and they live on. I thought it was a fitting ending.

19/09/2011

Melbourne, Victoria

Kudos: 42,024

Milky

I think it would have meant more had we seen more of his family or even if his family were likeable. They were barely in it and when they were they were easily the worst characters in the game.

19/09/2011

come on, i only want a cuddle!

Kudos: 142,748

Heller

Fair point but let's face it - whether you like it or not you'll never forget the ending of the game. It stays with you, how many games can you say that is the truth?

Can we both agree on the Condemned comments at least? ;)

19/09/2011

Melbourne, Victoria

Kudos: 42,024

Milky

Condemned is amazing *swoon* *_*

19/09/2011

come on, i only want a cuddle!

Kudos: 6,542

Alpharoth

Final Fantasy X's ending was both sad and happy.

Chrono Cross' ending too.

19/09/2011

Melbourne

Kudos: 142,748

Heller

Alpharoth said: Final Fantasy X's ending was both sad and happy.

I've heard that but sadly I have not played a Final Fantasy game since VIII

19/09/2011

Melbourne, Victoria

Kudos: 17,593

Huddo

RDR was most memorable. i remember just being in shock that he died. no other game i had played offered that sort of experience. it was a great ending and if anything added to the game as it had many elements not seen or implemented as successfully in other games

19/09/2011

Sydney, NSW

Kudos: 7,531

jorgan92

Really like the article Heller (what I could read ofit still havnt finished RDR), alot of the time you feel when watching a movie or playing a game that it would almost be better if they died, or fell on their sword or something rather than just happily ever after.

But I guess its because most people think that movies and games would become pointless if the protagonist died or if they didn't achieve what they want, then the game/movie would seem pointless. That and they wouldn't milk it for squeals :P

Thank you for thinking outside the box

19/09/2011

melbourne, victoria

Kudos: 17,593

Huddo

jorgan92 said: Really like the article Heller (what I could read ofit still havnt finished RDR), alot of the time you feel when watching a movie or playing a game that it would almost be better if they died, or fell on their sword or something rather than just happily ever after.
But I guess its because most people think that movies and games would become pointless if the protagonist died or if they didn't achieve what they want, then the game/movie would seem pointless. That and they wouldn't milk it for squeals
Thank you for thinking outside the box

its due to the overwhelming number of happy endings that the different endings stay with us...because they are different and challenge the things we are used to

19/09/2011

Sydney, NSW

Kudos: 142,748

Heller

Thanks for the kind words @jorgan92 just trying to provide some different type of opinion pieces that look at all sorts of things in a serious meets humorous way.

I totally get why we need the happy ending, I really do but sometimes as you said they just really need to change it up to make for a better experience.

Not always, but sometimes and I truly believe RDR was the perfect example of that in gaming terms.

The original Psycho is still one of the best endings of all time. That last scene when he is just sitting there with a smile on his face still gives me the creeps!

19/09/2011

Melbourne, Victoria

Kudos: 43,665

Mintyjam

"Remains of the Day" is quite sad. So is that "Never Let Me Go".

FFVII is quite sad, in the middle part where "someone" dies

19/09/2011

TV Mod Emeritus

Kudos: 37,756

Snix

Nice article, Heller

19/09/2011

"The most hypocritical, power abusive mod on this site." ~ Rivalz

Kudos: 66,037

Tsunamo

Nier's a game I loved because it's really story driven. It starts out as a tale of your daughter being sick and you setting out to find a cure for her. Eventually it turns into a big giant quest (as they all do) but it was end-game that really got to me.

After to going to so much effort to try to save your daughter and everyone eventually being against you, you start to question at the end if what you did was right and for the best. And on top of that the ending gives you an extremely hard decision to make, with each one having to lose something for the good of humanity.

No games story seemed to reel me in with its darkness and twists like NIER did. It's a shame we don't see more like it in the modern age.

19/09/2011

[Perth, W.A | MMGN]

Kudos: 2,657

xXNitroXx

I like my games to have a happy ending because it satisfies me and gives me a reason to feel happy after the game, like Ocarina of Time's ending :D

19/09/2011

melbourne victoria

Kudos: 73,105

Pilkingbod

I absolutely agree. The only happy ending I am truly satisfied with is the Shawshank Redemption.

Then there are movies like Seven, which had an amazingly intense climactic ending. If they just arrested John Doe without consequence, it would have seriously dampended the entire movie for me.

And it's also why I was a bit upset with Portal 2's ending. I really wanted GLADoS to betray you, and it would have topped what I reckon is one of the best videogame villains of all time.

19/09/2011

Melting pot of friendship

Kudos: 1,557

marvelxmen

127hours had a great happy ending. also you need to see alot more movies if u dont think studios are providing sad endings to films. sunshine, million dollor baby, 30 days of night, the messanger, stoploss, the decent (uk ending). hell even xmen first class and the dark night had a rather dark finales. the proposition and animal kingdom both aussie films with powerful heartbreaking endings.

19/09/2011

melbourne, victoria

Kudos: 55,027

Dénor

I adore movies with sad endings, especially movies like American Beauty, Requiem for a Dream, Animal Kingdom, Black Swan, Million Dollar Baby and No Country For Old Men (some of my favorites). It's probably more of a personal thing, but depressing plots offer more of a connection the movie than happy ones, I reckon. It gives you more to think about on a more emotional scale.

19/09/2011

There's always money in the banana stand.

Kudos: 77,970

renagadez

batman

19/09/2011

Sydney, New South Wales

Kudos: 73,105

Pilkingbod

Dénor said: It's probably more of a personal thing, but depressing plots offer more of a connection the movie than happy ones, I reckon. It gives you more to think about on a more emotional scale.

I like them too.
My mum hates any movie that doesn't end happily. I just laugh at her.

Not because of that, but she's the type of person who genuinely cannot laugh at things like The Office because it's far too cringeworthy, and she sort of takes everything like that way too seriously.

19/09/2011

Melting pot of friendship

Kudos: 1,557

marvelxmen

my brother inlaw hates movie that dont end neat and happy

19/09/2011

melbourne, victoria

Kudos: 4,805

GangStarr

Mafia 2 had such an abrupt but moving ending. One of my favourites on this gen of consoles.

19/09/2011

Shaolin Land

Kudos: 4,088

punk

i hate endings that set up another game...or some recent movies.

matrix 2 is a good bloody example, luckily i didnt have to wait long for craptrix 3

19/09/2011

Kudos: 19,909

Matador

Milky said: I think it would have meant more had we seen more of his family or even if his family were likeable. They were barely in it and when they were they were easily the worst characters in the game.

shit wouldn't of hit the fan if he had just ditched his family and lived the life with Bonnie McFarlane, now that would be an ending.

20/09/2011

WHERE BROOKLYN AT ! WHERE BROOKLYN AT !

Kudos: 3,145

Prime

Heller said: I see your point of John making RDR fantastic - without his personality on that journey the game would have been flat. However he was a criminal, regardless of how you look at it. His past finally caught up with him, and by mixing with the wrong people he ended up in his situation.
He saved his family, and they live on. I thought it was a fitting ending.

You are wrong about the ending being great.

Milky has nailed this.

His being a criminal in the past is only spoken ABOUT in the game, and you never truly gain a proper understanding of his life as a criminal. In great films where our main character dies, you come to understand both his change AND his past. RDR never truly gives us a proper picture of Marston's past.

What is emphasised in the game is Marston's humanity and loyalty to his family and justice. By the end of it, in the gamers eyes, he is redeemed.

The death made it worthless and Milky is right.

20/09/2011

The most terrifying thing is to accept oneself completely - Carl Jung.

Kudos: 142,748

Heller

Milky isn't right, nor are you, nor am I. Opinion is a great thing my friend and it's one of those endings you either love or you hate.

As I said to Milky, regardless you will never forget the ending, which is more than I can say for a lot of other games I've finished over the years.

20/09/2011

Melbourne, Victoria

Kudos: 2,458

noobi

as much as I like the odd downer ending I do prefer happy endings, a lot of what I like in movies, books and games is when a character gets into a seemingly impossible situation and then finding out the creative ways that they escape from that situation (even if it does turn out to be somewhat contrived)

20/09/2011

Melb

Kudos: 3,145

Prime

Heller said: Milky isn't right, nor are you, nor am I. Opinion is a great thing my friend and it's one of those endings you either love or you hate.
As I said to Milky, regardless you will never forget the ending, which is more than I can say for a lot of other games I've finished over the years.

Milky's opinion has more depth to it.

Killing the main character does not necessarily equate to a good ending. Look past the fact that it is different to what we usually experience in games.

20/09/2011

The most terrifying thing is to accept oneself completely - Carl Jung.

Kudos: 142,748

Heller

Never did I say it was a guarantee for a good ending, I just felt it was a fitting ending for this story.

Killing Norman Bates in Psycho would not have made a good ending....

Killing the guy from Buried at the end did not make for a good ending either.

For RDR it was a good ending in my opinion. The article isn't about RDR's ending, it's about developers stepping out and trying new things, and RDR is one of those games that DID try something new.

20/09/2011

Melbourne, Victoria

Kudos: 241,279

Beta

I thought Marston's past was pretty clear. I think Rockstar did a pretty good job of projecting his past through his style, tone, personality. All of these traits kind of alluded to a shaky past.

I don't think his death was especially out of the place. It was meant to be tragic. He redeems himself but ultimately dies in the face of the new man he has become. Maybe the pacing and length of the game mean this sudden turn of events looks out of place alongside the length narrative built around marston, but it was meant to be sudden.

Not a perfect ending, but not as bad as some make it out to be.

21/09/2011

Le Melbourne

Kudos: 1,015

Dino

Admittedly the RDR ending pissed me off a lot at first. you just think how could he die after all that, you know?
But it certainly was a great tale. although I really disliked the agents that killed him. I was more angry that "justice" wasn't served for them(even though Jack kills him) than that John died.

Luckily for me I just made 2 saves. One with John still being the hero and the other with Jack who I made bad by killing officers as revenge haha

21/09/2011

Melbourne, Victoria

Kudos: 20,748

Bloard

Portal 2 Ending is probably one of my favorites.
I didn't want to leave Aperture [heartbreak]

25/09/2011

League of Legends Summoner Name - Millapede

Kudos: 7,377

Skelerax

I thought the RDR ending was perfect, I wouldn't change a thing.

Aside from how poetic it was to have him killed after redeeming his shady past (which like tano, was fleshed out enough for me) it gives you the chance to hunt down the killers as Jack bringing a great sense of closure to the entire story.

But then again I hate happy endings, life isn't like that and this game certainly shouldn't be seeing as you spend most of your time shooting people in the face.

As for the gripes about 20+ hours wasted because he dies, what a crock, I don't really understand what that even means Milky, it's a character, perhaps you could elaborate on how that ruins the game cos I just don't get it.

04/10/2011

I eat babies, your babies.