Scarecrow (2018) Ending Explained
tl;dr
The ending of Scarecrow (1973), directed by Jerry Schatzberg, is a poignant and tragic conclusion to the story of two drifters, Max (Gene Hackman) and Lion (Al Pacino), whose friendship is tested by betrayal and mental breakdown. After a series of misadventures, Lion suffers a psychotic episode and is institutionalized, while Max abandons their dream of opening a car wash. The film closes with Max leaving Lion behind, symbolizing the fragility of human connections and the harsh realities of life on the margins. The ambiguous ending leaves room for interpretation about whether their bond was ever truly meaningful or just a fleeting illusion.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The final scenes of Scarecrow are a masterclass in emotional devastation. After spending the entire film traveling together and forming a deep, if flawed, friendship, Max and Lion's relationship fractures irreparably. Lion, whose mental state has been deteriorating throughout the film, suffers a complete breakdown in a bar, leading to his arrest and subsequent institutionalization. Max, who initially tries to help him, ultimately abandons Lion, walking away from the hospital and their shared dream of opening a car wash in Pittsburgh. This moment is heartbreaking because it underscores the film's central theme: the impossibility of sustaining hope and connection in a world that seems designed to crush both.
The symbolism of the scarecrow-a recurring motif in the film-comes full circle in the ending. Early on, Lion explains that a scarecrow is meant to protect something, but it's also a hollow figure, incapable of real action. This mirrors Max and Lion's relationship: they protect each other in small ways, but their bond is ultimately fragile and unsustainable. Max's decision to leave Lion behind suggests that their friendship, like the scarecrow, was a temporary shield against loneliness, not a permanent solution. The final shot of Max walking away, alone, emphasizes the isolation that defines their lives.
The film's ending also raises questions about responsibility and guilt. Max's abandonment of Lion can be seen as a betrayal, but it's also a survival mechanism. Throughout the film, Max is portrayed as a self-interested conman, while Lion is the dreamer who believes in their friendship. When Lion's mental health collapses, Max is forced to confront his own limitations. His choice to leave may be selfish, but it's also a recognition that he can't save Lion-or himself. This ambiguity makes the ending so powerful: it refuses to villainize Max or lionize (pun intended) Lion, instead presenting their relationship as a tragic casualty of circumstance.
Unresolved Questions
1. What happens to Lion after Max leaves him?
- Possibility 1: Lion remains institutionalized, his mental state never improving.
- Possibility 2: He eventually recovers but is permanently scarred by Max's abandonment.
- Possibility 3: He escapes or is released, returning to his nomadic life, but without hope.
Does Max ever regret his decision?
- Possibility 1: Max suppresses his guilt and continues his aimless drifting.
- Possibility 2: He is haunted by Lion's fate but lacks the courage to reconcile.
- Possibility 3: He briefly considers returning but decides against it, reinforcing his selfish nature.
Was their friendship ever real, or just a convenience?
- Possibility 1: It was genuine but unsustainable due to their personal flaws.
- Possibility 2: Max used Lion for companionship but never truly cared.
- Possibility 3: Lion idealized their bond, while Max saw it as temporary.
Personal Opinion
The ending of Scarecrow is one of the most emotionally raw conclusions in 1970s cinema. It's a testament to the performances of Hackman and Pacino that their characters' relationship feels so authentic, making the final betrayal all the more devastating. The film's bleakness may be hard to stomach, but it's a necessary reflection of the era's disillusionment. I admire how Schatzberg refuses to offer easy answers or redemption, instead forcing the audience to sit with the discomfort of Max's choice. However, I also wonder if the film's pessimism borders on nihilism-was there really no hope for these characters, or is the ending unnecessarily cruel? Regardless, Scarecrow lingers in the mind precisely because it doesn't tie things up neatly, leaving viewers to grapple with its themes long after the credits roll.
Final Thoughts
Scarecrow is a film about broken dreams and broken people, and its ending is a perfect encapsulation of that. By leaving Max and Lion's fates unresolved, the film invites us to question the nature of friendship, survival, and responsibility. It's a challenging watch, but one that rewards careful reflection. Whether you see the ending as a tragic inevitability or a failure of compassion, it's impossible to deny its power. The film remains a underrated gem of 1970s cinema, and its ending is a big reason why.