MovieChat Forums > Playtime (1973) Discussion > Different Ending

Different Ending

posted 13 years ago by captainsteroid
4 replies | jump to latest

I just watched my new DVD. The end shows the high street lights at night, then fades to black. BUT, I rented a tape, years ago and the ending was this: It was early morning and the street (plaza?) was empty. You saw the gleaming, steel and glass office buildings. Then, they started slowly MOVING. Then you could see that they were huge models on rollers and the workmen were pulling them away. As they were pulled out of the frame, you could see the city of Paris, in the background. Now, I don't think I was imagining this, but no one has brought it up. Any answers ?

[–] graceofbaal 13 years ago

This wasn't the ending of Playtime, I'm fairly positive.

However, on the Criterion release, they do include a short film called Cours du Soir, starring Tati (as Hulot, kind of) teaching a class about the art of mime. And I do seem to recall it ending with a building (I assume it's one of the same models actually used in Playtime) being rolled away to reveal a small house, which Tati/Hulot walks toward.

Could you be thinking about the short film, not Playtime?

[–] captainsteroid 13 years ago

This could be, but it doesn't feel right. Playtime came to the US, in 1973. The only other time I saw it, was probably 30 years ago, when I rented a tape. I doubt that a tape would have an extra scene like that included. But then, it is, a 30 year old memory. My imagination may have added to it.

[–] mdek2112 13 years ago

The scene is from Cours Du Soir, a short that Tati made on set about the shooting of Play Time.

Check out this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0BkUkdB0dc

It had to be included as a bonus feature immediately following the film, as with all videotapes.

It sounded like a garbage truck dropped off the Empire State Building

[–] printphi 12 years ago

Your experience reminds me of one of mine:

I have a record (a record!!) of Schubert's "Death and the Maiden," and at the end, there must have been a little room left so it included "Quartettsatz." This followed so perfectly after the last movement, that I just assumed that it was part of the piece. I listened to it over and over as a teenager and knew every note by heart.

Years later, I was at a concert where "Death and the Maiden" was performed. At the end of the fourth movement, the audience began to applaud. I glared at everyone around me, sat on my hands, and fumed at about how stupid people are who applaud before an entire piece is over. When the performers rose, bowed, and walked off the stage, I was forced to confront the truth. But to this day, when I hear that piece, my mind supplies the phantom fifth movement to make it complete.