Okay, I can accept the ending but it did come out of nowhere.
Here's a smart old soldier and he's riding double-crossed on horses into a possible ambush? He knew there would be a scout party up ahead that crossed the fog. He did say something about "he should have left earlier" but still, I'd like to have seen something smarter because Valdez knew what he was doing.
"Without mercy, a man is not a human being." Sansho the Bailiff, 1954
The ending does look rushed. Like they really wanted to point out the moral of the characters (and the whole "honor" thing) instead of concluding the film more naturally AND doing that. It's almost comical, really. Maybe they ran out of money, or ideas.
Anyway, when I saw that final still shot I just could not believe my eyes. Why the hell would you leave an open ending in a story like this??? Especially considering the forced stalemate they're in...
Otherwise, a good film.
"Without mercy, a man is not a human being." Sansho the Bailiff, 1954
I loved the ending. I'm not sure how they could have resolved it completely without it coming out too pat.
shareIndeed. Everyone wants it tied up all with a pretty bow. Then, it's like just about every other western, someone riding off into the sunset.
With very little imagination, it is not at all difficult to figure out the ending. I'm surprised more haven't. But then again, what can one expect from 21st century digital boys suckled on HALO and Grand Theft Auto?
The thorn defends the rose, yet it is peaceful and does not seek conflict.
All Valdez wanted was the hundred dollars. It was a matter of justice and principle. He wasn't going to settle for anything less.
I think Tanner finally realized this after his arrogance was humbled, and he gave Valdez the $100. Especially since he was basically stripped of his protective entourage.
I'm guessing Gay (the woman) went with Valdez too, but I'm not sure.
That's how I think it ended, what do you think?
Loved the ending of this film. I thought it was very bold of the filmmakers to end it on a fairly ambiguous note.
I'm a totally bitchin' bio writer from Mars!
I also enjoyed that they left it ambiguous. It is very clear that Valdez has won and that Tanner is now seen by everyone(including his woman) as a coward and a fool. His only choice is to pay the $100 and get the hell out of there.
shareNot in all films, but, in this one, I love the ambiguous ending. It isn't hard to guess what Tanner would do---since he didn't want to die.
Carpe Noctem!
I love that ending. It's not really ambiguous at all. We are shown all that matters. It does not matter what Tanner does in the next few minutes. He is exposed as a coward without honor. Whether it is for years or only minutes, he will live the rest of his life in disgrace and shame.