Macario (1960) Ending Explained
tl;dr: The ending of Macario (1960), a Mexican film directed by Roberto Gavaldón, concludes with the titular character, a poor woodcutter, being taken by Death after he refuses to share his prized roasted turkey with anyone but his family. The film explores themes of greed, divine justice, and the human condition, culminating in a surreal and morally ambiguous finale where Macario's fate is left open to interpretation. The ending suggests that true happiness and fulfillment cannot be found in material wealth or divine intervention alone but in the simple, honest life Macario once led.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The film follows Macario, a destitute woodcutter who dreams of eating an entire roasted turkey by himself. His wife steals a turkey to fulfill his wish, but as he prepares to eat it, he is approached by three figures: the Devil, God, and Death. He shares the turkey only with Death, who rewards him with a miraculous flask that can cure any illness. Macario becomes wealthy by healing the sick, but his newfound power attracts greed and corruption. The Inquisition accuses him of witchcraft, and he flees, only to be confronted by Death again. In the final scene, Death claims Macario's life, stating that his time is up, and the flask vanishes, leaving his fate ambiguous.
Symbolism and Themes
The ending underscores the film's central themes of mortality, divine justice, and the corrupting influence of wealth. Macario's initial selfless act of sharing with Death contrasts with his later exploitation of the flask for personal gain. The flask, a symbol of both blessing and curse, represents the duality of human desire-it brings temporary relief but ultimately leads to spiritual decay. Death's final appearance serves as a reminder that no one can escape their fate, and material wealth cannot buy immortality. The surreal, dreamlike quality of the ending reinforces the film's allegorical nature, blurring the line between reality and fantasy.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
- What happens to Macario after Death takes him?
- He may have been granted peace in the afterlife for his initial kindness.
- Alternatively, he could be punished for his later greed.
- Why does the flask disappear?
- Death reclaims it because Macario misused its power.
- It was never truly his to keep, merely a test of his character.
- What is the significance of the three figures (Devil, God, Death)?
- They represent different paths: temptation (Devil), divine grace (God), and inevitability (Death).
- Macario's choice to share with Death suggests his acceptance of mortality over spiritual or material rewards.
Personal Opinion on the Ending & Film
Macario is a profound and visually stunning film that uses folklore to explore deep philosophical questions. The ending is both tragic and poetic, emphasizing that human desires often lead to self-destruction. Macario's downfall is not due to malice but to his inability to resist the corrupting influence of power. The film's ambiguity makes it timeless, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions about morality and fate. Personally, I find the ending hauntingly beautiful-it doesn't provide easy answers but instead invites reflection on the choices we make and their consequences.
Legacy and Interpretation
The film's ending has sparked debate among critics and audiences, with some viewing it as a cautionary tale about greed and others as a meditation on the inevitability of death. Its influence can be seen in later magical realism works, such as those by Gabriel García Márquez. The lack of a clear resolution makes Macario a masterpiece of Mexican cinema, as it challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature. Whether Macario's fate is just or tragic depends on one's perspective, but the film's enduring power lies in its ability to provoke thought long after the credits roll.
In conclusion, Macario's ending is a richly layered conclusion to a story that blends fantasy, morality, and existential dread. It leaves audiences with more questions than answers, ensuring its place as a classic of world cinema.