MovieChat Forums > This Must Be the Place (2011) Discussion > Still pretty confused about the ending S...

Still pretty confused about the ending SPOILERS

posted 12 years ago by pimlican
6 replies | jump to latest

Just saw it last night, and while I didn't think it was a brilliant movie there were certain aspects of it that I really enjoyed.

So, regarding the ending. Remember Mary's mother scolding him and saying that he did not smoke because he was still a child? In the last scene at the airport he was handed, and smoked a cigarette properly. He then flew home, after avoiding flying for 35 years. Smoking and flying - indicative that after his voyage of discovery he had grown up?

Was Mary's mother his mother too? Did she consider her son lost to her clad all in black and made up like Aunt Sally??

Can ANYONE shed some light for me please?

[–] kamdine 12 years ago

My guess is that yes, him flying and smoking shows that he has finally grown up, also the facts that he got a haircut, removed his make-up and dresses 'normally' definitely reinforce that idea.

I don't think Mary's mom was his mom, but they were more or less close to each other (as witnessed by the scene where she tells him he's a child for not smoking), and maybe she was a kind of mom replacement for him. So, I think she is happy to see him finally look like a grown-up and maybe, if you are optimistic, this will also help her in the long run, somehow.

[–] LeafyGreen 12 years ago

I agree those were signs he was ready to grow up, along with his dressing normally. I think Mary's mother and him had an affair and both Mary and Tony are his kids.

[–] Demarates 12 years ago

But him cutting his hair and growing up doesn't get her her son back, does it ?

(also this "smoking = being grown up" concept is a repulsive notion).

"I am not a complete idiot, some parts are missing."

[–] captaincheekypants68 12 years ago

The end was also the first time you saw him without pulling a trolly or luggage behind him. (a symbol of the baggage he was carrying??)

I'm getting the word 'Nonce'

[–] richie_patrese 12 years ago

Good point captaincheekypants68, I hadn't noticed that.

Yes, smoking and finally flying are indications he's grown up - the 'normal' makeunder is the final piece.

Despite being around the same age as Mary's mother, I think she had always viewed him as a child because he hung around with Mary. If you think about it, his attempts to get Mary to go out with the lad from the cafe is his first attempt at getting out of his perpetual childhood.

[–] frogca 11 years ago

> (also this "smoking = being grown up" concept is a repulsive notion).

Yes, that was idiotic. His "transformation" at the end was a bit much. Being on the plane and perhaps cutting out some of the makeup would have been plenty.

Though it was quite amusing when he advised the women in the elevator how to make your lipstick last all day. I guess a professional performer such as himself should know that.