Ending Quote by Larry Cohen
“The ending is really the most important part of the movie. If the first hour and 20 minutes is terrific and the last ten minutes stinks, everybody walks out of the theatre and says: 'That was a lousy movie!'”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Film Director’s Journal, 1998
The climax defines audience memory; a weak ending erodes the impact of an otherwise strong film.
In simple terms: Ending shapes overall perception.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize a strong conclusion.
Themes
storytelling
structure
audience expectation
Mood
analytical
creative
Type
critical
educational
When to use this quote
- scriptwriting
- editing
- film production
- marketing
Key Concepts
narrative theory
cinema studies
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you ensure the ending matches the opening?
- What elements make an ending memorable?
A Different Perspective
A great start can’t fully compensate for a poor finish.
![“Harvey [Weinstein] didn't want to release [MY SON THE FANATIC]; he held it for two years because he wanted a happy ending, although I don't know what that means. Does that mean the taxi driver leaves his wife or doesn't leave his wife? I think it has a happy ending.” quote by Hanif Kureishi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/434/hanif-kureishi-3233_crafts_harvey-weinstein-didn-t-want-to-release_17929.jpg)
