MovieChat Forums > Ticket to Heaven (1981) Discussion > Anyone else find the final shot ambiguou...

Anyone else find the final shot ambiguous? (SPOILERS)

posted 12 years ago by yojimboy
8 replies | jump to latest

In the final scene, David hugs his family, then the cult members show up. David just smiles at them for a moment, then resumes hugging his family. Then in the final shot he looks back up at the cult leaders with an angry expression in his eyes. If this was a horror movie, that would indicate that he hasn't really been saved by the family, that the cult programming still has him. Since it isn't a horror movie, it's probably just supposed to mean he's angry at the cult members now. But since the entire scene is wordless, it's a bit vague and leaves it all up to the audience to interpret.

[–] pedro4300 11 years ago

I completely agree with you. Great movie.

[–] jztzt 11 years ago

I noticed the ambiguity too. I was a bit worried at the end that he may not be completely reformed. But I trust that love and truth will prevail at the end.

[–] pedro4300 11 years ago

Actually, I think the ending was left open.

[–] SnoozeAlarm 11 years ago

I see absolutely no ambiguity. He's happy to be re-united with his loved ones, and has hatred for the cultists.

I cried because I had no shoes üntil I met a man with no sole. ~ Ancient Disco Proverb

[–] ncdwbmk6 9 years ago

The final shot, showing David alternatively smiling/frowning, reminds me of the final shot of Norman Bates (played by Anthony Perkins) in Psycho (1960).

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You got your mind right, Luke?

[–] yojimboy 9 years ago

Great comparison!

[–] welsh_dragon_roar 8 years ago

I too initially thought that, but if you cast your mind back to when he gives the look of pure hatred to Larry in the bedroom, it's that look he's giving to the cult members; I suspect it's supposed to demonstrate the volte face in his character with the psychological constraints removed. Brilliant film though - I'd never heard of it until a few hours ago.

[–] yojimboy 8 years ago

Thanks for the point! Makes sense.