Endings in the Cinema

Exploring the concept of film endings, this book shifts the focus from narrative resolution to the intricate motifs and elements that contribute to the feeling of closure. It identifies three key features—thresholds, water, and particularly the beach—as central to understanding endings. The beach, symbolizing both a boundary and water, emerges as a significant site in cinema, prevalent in post-classical films across genres and cultures. By analyzing beach endings, the author highlights their aesthetic depth and structural complexity, showcasing their evolution since 1910.