And Hope to Die (1972) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
And Hope to Die (original French title: La Course du lièvre à travers les champs) is a 1972 crime thriller directed by René Clément, based on David Goodis' novel Black Friday. The film follows a gangster named Charley (Jean-Louis Trintignant) who gets entangled in a complex heist orchestrated by a ruthless crime boss, Matteo (Robert Ryan). The ending is a brutal twist of fate where Charley, after surviving numerous betrayals, is ultimately killed by Matteo's gang in a cold, calculated execution. The film concludes with a bleak commentary on the inevitability of violence and betrayal in the criminal underworld, leaving viewers with a sense of existential despair.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending:
The climax of And Hope to Die is a masterclass in nihilistic storytelling. After Charley survives a series of double-crosses and violent encounters, he believes he has outsmarted Matteo and secured his freedom. However, the film subverts expectations by revealing that Charley's fate was sealed from the beginning. In the final moments, Matteo's henchmen ambush Charley on a deserted road, shooting him in cold blood. The scene is stark and unceremonious, emphasizing the futility of Charley's struggle. The title itself—And Hope to Die—hints at the inevitability of his demise, as hope is ultimately extinguished by the brutal reality of his world.
The ending is punctuated by Matteo's indifference, as he casually walks away from Charley's corpse, underscoring the film's theme of moral decay. Charley's death isn't framed as a tragic climax but as a mundane inevitability, reinforcing the idea that in this world, loyalty and cunning are meaningless in the face of absolute power. The cinematography-cold, desolate landscapes and muted colors-mirrors the emotional void at the heart of the story. Unlike traditional heist films where the protagonist might escape or redeem themselves, And Hope to Die denies any catharsis, leaving the audience with a lingering sense of dread.
Unresolved Questions:
1. Why does Matteo betray Charley despite their earlier alliance?
- Possible Answer: Matteo never truly trusted Charley and saw him as a disposable pawn from the start.
- Alternative Theory: Charley's independent actions made him a liability, prompting Matteo to eliminate him.
2. Could Charley have avoided his fate if he had acted differently?
- Possible Answer: No-the film suggests his death was inevitable given the ruthless nature of the criminal world.
- Alternative Theory: Had Charley been more ruthless himself, he might have survived.
3. What was the significance of the hare metaphor (referenced in the original title)?
- Possible Answer: The hare symbolizes Charley's futile attempt to outrun his fate, only to be caught in the end.
Personal Opinion:
And Hope to Die is a grim, uncompromising film that refuses to offer the audience any comfort. The ending is devastating in its simplicity, stripping away any illusion of justice or redemption. While some might find the conclusion overly bleak, I appreciate its honesty-it's a stark reminder of the brutality inherent in the criminal underworld. Trintignant's performance as Charley is haunting, and Ryan's Matteo is one of cinema's most chilling villains precisely because of his casual cruelty. The film's nihilism won't appeal to everyone, but for those who appreciate dark, existential crime dramas, it's a masterpiece. The lack of a happy ending forces viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about power and survival, making it a memorable, if unsettling, experience.
Final Thoughts:
The film's ending lingers long after the credits roll, a testament to its powerful storytelling. By denying Charley any semblance of victory, And Hope to Die challenges the conventions of the genre and leaves a lasting impression. It's not a film about hope or redemption-it's about the inevitability of downfall, and that's what makes it so compelling. Whether you love or hate the ending, it's impossible to forget.