The Servant (1963) Ending Explained

TL;DR:
The ending of The Servant (1963), directed by Joseph Losey and written by Harold Pinter, is a psychological masterpiece that culminates in a complete role reversal between the wealthy employer Tony and his manipulative servant Barrett. By the film's conclusion, Barrett has not only infiltrated Tony's life but has effectively taken control of it, reducing Tony to a dependent, drunken wreck while Barrett assumes the dominant position. The final scenes depict a haunting power dynamic where servant becomes master, leaving viewers to question the nature of class, control, and human vulnerability. The ambiguity of the ending reinforces the film's themes of psychological warfare and societal decay.

Detailed Explanation of the Ending:
The climax of The Servant sees Tony (James Fox) utterly broken by Barrett's (Dirk Bogarde) relentless psychological manipulation. Throughout the film, Barrett subtly undermines Tony's confidence, isolates him from his fiancée Susan (Wendy Craig), and introduces chaos into his life, including the arrival of Barrett's supposed "sister" Vera (Sarah Miles), who is later revealed to be his lover. By the end, Tony is a shadow of his former self-drunk, disheveled, and entirely dependent on Barrett, who now sits in Tony's chair, barking orders at him. The final shot of the film shows Barrett lounging in Tony's home, now the de facto master, while Tony shuffles around like a servant, completing the inversion of their roles.

Unresolved Questions and Possible Answers:
1. Did Barrett plan this takeover from the beginning?
- Possible Answer: It's implied that Barrett is a master manipulator who saw Tony's weaknesses early on and exploited them systematically. His actions suggest a long-term plan to dominate Tony.
2. What is the significance of the crumbling house?
- Possible Answer: The deteriorating state of Tony's home mirrors his mental and emotional collapse, symbolizing the decay of the upper-class facade under pressure from below.
3. Is there any hope for Tony to reclaim his life?
- Possible Answer: The ending suggests no - Tony is too far gone, and Barrett's victory is complete. His degradation seems irreversible.

Themes and Symbolism:
The ending of The Servant is a stark commentary on class dynamics and power. Barrett's rise and Tony's fall illustrate how societal roles are fluid and can be overturned through psychological dominance. The film critiques the fragility of the British class system, showing how easily the privileged can be undone by those they underestimate. The recurring motifs of mirrors and reflections underscore the duality of master and servant, suggesting that these roles are interchangeable under the right (or wrong) circumstances. The chilling final scene, with Barrett in control, leaves no doubt about the film's cynical view of human nature and social hierarchies.

Personal Opinion:
The Servant is a brilliantly unsettling film, and its ending is one of the most impactful in psychological cinema. Dirk Bogarde's performance as Barrett is mesmerizing-he exudes quiet menace, making his character's triumph all the more disturbing. The film's slow burn allows the audience to witness Tony's unraveling in real time, creating a sense of dread that culminates in the horrifying role reversal. While the ending is bleak, it's undeniably powerful, forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about power and vulnerability. The ambiguity of Barrett's motives adds to the film's lasting intrigue, making it a timeless study of manipulation and class warfare. It's a masterpiece that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.

Final Thoughts:
The ending of The Servant is a masterclass in psychological horror, devoid of supernatural elements but brimming with real-world terror. It's a cautionary tale about the dangers of underestimating those in subordinate positions and the corrosive effects of power struggles. The film's brilliance lies in its subtlety - Barrett's manipulation is so insidious that Tony (and the audience) doesn't realize the full extent of his control until it's too late. The final image of Barrett lounging in Tony's chair is a haunting reminder of how easily dominance can shift, leaving viewers to ponder who the real servant was all along.