MovieChat Forums > Bad Santa (2003) Discussion > Willie should've died

Willie should've died

posted 8 years ago by jodokastrules
8 replies | jump to latest

<spoilers>

At the end of the movie, Willie races to give the kid the stuffed elephant he promised and is gunned down by the police in the process. We find out in an epilogue that he was merely injured, let off the hook and is recovering in the hospital. Now I don't have a problem with that, it's just...man it would've been ten times stronger if he died. First of all, the majority of the movie is about how he hates himself and even attempted suicide once or twice. Also, he would've died doing the one good deed he did in his entire life of alcohol and stealing. Plus the kid would've learned everything he knew from his experience with Willie, which we kind of get with him standing up to the bully at the end, but still. Above everything, it would've taken what is still a hilarious comedy into a much darker place that would've left a much bigger impact.

The ending we got didn't bother me at first, but the more I think about it, the more I can't shake it.

[–] CarverCrisis 8 years ago

I kind of agree and disagree. It definitely would have fit with the tone of the film if he died, and it would still be a great movie if it ended that way. But the happy ending doesn't really bother me that much considering it is still a holiday movie with Scrooge/Grinch influences, so the happy ending also feels appropriate. The first half or so of the movie is just brutal in regards to having any semblance of lightheartedness or hope, that I kind of think makes the happy ending feel more well-earned than most happy endings in film are, and to the first time viewer it's probably a pleasant surprise that he didn't die.

[–] BenignPillows 8 years ago

I kind of agree and disagree. It definitely would have fit with the tone of the film if he died, and it would still be a great movie if it ended that way. But the happy ending doesn't really bother me that much considering it is still a holiday movie with Scrooge/Grinch influences, so the happy ending also feels appropriate. The first half or so of the movie is just brutal in regards to having any semblance of lightheartedness or hope, that I kind of think makes the happy ending feel more well-earned than most happy endings in film are, and to the first time viewer it's probably a pleasant surprise that he didn't die.

^ This. Exactly what I thought.

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"The best fairytale is one where you believe the people" -Irvin Kershner

[–] romik_kuts 8 years ago

Totally expected him to die first time watching, him "didn't dying" actually was a twist for me.

[–] Mhjm6 8 years ago

It makes more sense that he did not die, since it is about redemption, and still it does make it look as though he did at the doorstep. First time you see it you think he did, and it cuts to Willie's narrating.

[–] spookyrat1 8 years ago

It makes more sense that he did not die, since it is about redemption ...

Yes, exactly!🐭

[–] louiseculmer 8 years ago

It would have been a bit depressing if it had ended like that. And we would still be left with the problem of who would look after the child? His father in prison, grandma's gone gaga, what would become of him ?

[–] parknourie 7 years ago

Him not dying resulted in Bad Santa 2, so yeah I agree with you that Willie should have died.

Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down and a Wagging Finger of Shame

[–] dyahrmarkt 7 years ago

Bad Santa 2 would have been made with or without bbt. Theyd get some new guy to do it, or have thurmen become the new bad santa, or some minor character taking on a major role, etc. The stuff stupid sequels are all about.

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