I'm amazed that there are people out there who didn't "get" this movie. The entire movie is explicitly explained in the last few minutes. If you didn't get it, then just watch the last five minutes again, where the scriptwriter basically bashes you over the head with the answers to all the prior symbolism.
I was not disappointed by the ending; nor was I surprised.
Anyone who's read An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge or seen Lost Highway or Jacob's Ladder (two much better movies about this subject) will immediately recognize all the symbolic elements, see the "shocking" twist coming from miles away, and will feel somewhat cheated by the somewhat played-out script. I mean, really, once David Lynch weighs in on the topic, what more really needs be said? The biggest problem with this movie (besides the lack of originality) is that it both underestimated and overestimated its audience, at the same time. The geniuses were offended that it was so easy to see through, while the dummies (no offense intended) were offended that there was symbolism at all. And, of course, some people will always hate surrealism, calling it "cheap" or "it was all just a dream", when it's about exploring one's subconsciousness, not dreaming.
All in all, a rather nicely shot movie, but not nearly so beautiful, original, or revolutionary as the younger IMDb members would have you believe.
I was not disappointed by the ending; nor was I surprised.
Anyone who's read An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge or seen Lost Highway or Jacob's Ladder (two much better movies about this subject) will immediately recognize all the symbolic elements, see the "shocking" twist coming from miles away, and will feel somewhat cheated by the somewhat played-out script. I mean, really, once David Lynch weighs in on the topic, what more really needs be said? The biggest problem with this movie (besides the lack of originality) is that it both underestimated and overestimated its audience, at the same time. The geniuses were offended that it was so easy to see through, while the dummies (no offense intended) were offended that there was symbolism at all. And, of course, some people will always hate surrealism, calling it "cheap" or "it was all just a dream", when it's about exploring one's subconsciousness, not dreaming.
All in all, a rather nicely shot movie, but not nearly so beautiful, original, or revolutionary as the younger IMDb members would have you believe.