The Professor (2018) Ending Explained
TL;DR
The Professor (also known as Richard Says Goodbye) follows Johnny Depp as Richard, a terminally ill college professor who decides to live his remaining months authentically, rejecting societal norms. The ending sees Richard reconciling with his estranged wife, reconnecting with his students, and accepting his fate. He dies peacefully in his sleep after a final lecture where he imparts life lessons. The film closes with his wife and daughter reading his heartfelt final words, symbolizing his legacy of truth and freedom. The ambiguous final moments leave room for interpretation-did he truly change, or was his rebellion just a fleeting last act?
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The ending of The Professor is both melancholic and uplifting, encapsulating the film's central themes of mortality, authenticity, and the pursuit of meaning. After being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and given six months to live, Richard (Johnny Depp) abandons his repressed academic persona and begins living with brutal honesty-quitting his job, indulging in vices, and speaking his mind without filter. However, as the film progresses, his initial hedonism gives way to deeper introspection. In the final act, Richard reconnects with his estranged wife (Rosemarie DeWitt) and daughter (Odessa Young), attempting to mend fractured relationships before his time runs out.
The climax occurs during Richard's last lecture, where he delivers an unscripted, emotional speech about the futility of societal expectations and the importance of living truthfully. Unlike his earlier rebellious antics, this moment is earnest and poignant, showing his growth. The film then skips ahead to his final moments: Richard dies peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his loved ones. The closing scene shows his wife and daughter reading a letter he left behind-a final, heartfelt message that encapsulates his journey. The ambiguity of whether his transformation was genuine or just a fleeting act of defiance lingers, leaving the audience to reflect.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
Did Richard truly change, or was his rebellion just a coping mechanism?
- Possible Answer: His reconciliation with his family suggests genuine growth, but his earlier selfish behavior could imply he never fully evolved.
- Possible Answer: His final lecture and letter indicate a sincere shift, proving that facing death led him to real self-awareness.
What was the significance of the final letter?
- Possible Answer: It was Richard's way of leaving behind wisdom he couldn't articulate in life, a final act of love for his family.
- Possible Answer: The letter symbolizes closure, allowing his loved ones to remember him as he wanted to be-not as the flawed man he was.
Why did the film leave his death ambiguous (off-screen)?
- Possible Answer: To emphasize that death is inevitable but not the focus-what matters is how he lived his final days.
- Possible Answer: The ambiguity keeps the tone bittersweet rather than overly tragic, fitting the film's darkly comedic style.
Personal Opinion on the Ending & Film
I found The Professor's ending deeply moving, though imperfect. Johnny Depp's performance as Richard was raw and captivating, blending dark humor with vulnerability. The film's message-about rejecting conformity in favor of authenticity-resonated strongly, especially in Richard's final lecture, which felt like the emotional core of the story. However, some of his earlier antics (like the hedonistic benders) slightly undermined his later redemption, making his arc feel uneven. The letter at the end was a beautiful touch, but I wish the film had explored his relationships with his students more deeply. Overall, it was a flawed but thought-provoking film about what it means to truly live before dying.
Final Thoughts on Legacy & Meaning
The film's greatest strength lies in its refusal to offer easy answers. Richard's journey isn't about a perfect redemption but about messy, imperfect humanity. His final moments aren't grand or cinematic-just quiet and real. The lingering question of whether he truly changed or merely performed a last act of defiance makes the ending haunting. In a world obsessed with legacies, The Professor suggests that perhaps the most meaningful legacy is simply being honest-with others and, most importantly, with oneself. While not a flawless film, its emotional weight and Depp's performance make it a memorable meditation on life, death, and the courage it takes to face both unapologetically.