Forget about the ending, it was a big cop out, but the rest of the film was highly enjoyable. Slater gave an amazing performance, and was totally convincing as someone completely unhinged. The talking goldfish was a good touch, reminded me of the dog that talked to David Berkowitz; someone else who was completely and categorically disturbed
shareHow was it a cop out? It was being hinted at and lead to the ENTIRE film. That's not a cop out in any way
shareI agree... Ending was a little abupt but later, thinking about it, it was the right one and not a cop out in any way. Maybe he means it wasnt satusfying for him - what he wanted - and thats ok too. But then everyone is entitled to make what they want if they can get to that level.
shareWhat you just said is interesting to me, but I'm still not sure. I don't feel it was a cop-out, so much as pointlessly bleak. The entire movie seemed to mostly be about him finding purpose in life and so on, and at the end they're just like "just kidding! He's hopeless!" Knowing he didn't really blow that dude away also detracts a lot from his character, I think--it's exactly what was so interesting about him that I decided to watch it.
I'm rarely absolutist about things in art, but I think bleak endings for comedies are pretty much universally a bad idea--I watch one to laugh, not to remember how depressing the endings are. Save that for some noir/drama films(in which case it can be great.) It's subjective, but I can name zero "tragicomedy" endings that didn't keep me from ever wanting to see the film again, though this is probably an exception simply because the rest of the story was *just that good.*
Thoughts?
Many comedies have bleak endings and they work perfectly.
Blackadder WWI final episode was stunning. After so many hilarious and irreverent episodes, it was a masterpiece.
M.A.S.H. did it with the death of Henry Blake and other episodes to a lesser degree.
As for films, "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot". "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest". "Marley & Me". "Toy Story 3". "Up" . "Big". There must be many more...