The movie Atonement ends with an elderly Briony Tallis, played by Vanessa Redgrave, revealing in a television interview that the seemingly happy reunion between Robbie Turner and Cecilia Tallis depicted in the film is a fabrication. In reality, both Robbie and Cecilia died during World War II, never achieving their promised life together, and Briony wrote a revised version of events as a final act of atonement for her childhood lie.
The Core of the Ending: A Manufactured Truth
The finale of Atonement is profoundly impactful because it exposes the inherent limitations of atonement through art. Briony, having lived with the guilt of her misidentification of Robbie for decades, attempts to alleviate her conscience by creating a fictional reality where Cecilia and Robbie are reunited. This act, while arguably offering comfort to the audience, is ultimately a self-serving manipulation of the past. She acknowledges that this “happy ending” is a lie, a fabrication crafted to grant her, and perhaps the audience, a sense of closure that neither Cecilia nor Robbie ever experienced. The true ending, therefore, is one of loss, regret, and the enduring power of a single childhood mistake.
Understanding Briony’s Motivation
Briony’s decision to rewrite history is driven by a complex interplay of guilt, remorse, and a desperate desire for redemption. As an author, she possesses the power to shape narratives, and she uses this power to craft a version of events where her sister and her lover find happiness. However, the central irony lies in the fact that this act, while intended to be altruistic, is ultimately a reflection of her own inability to truly atone for her actions. The constructed narrative serves as a testament to her enduring guilt and a desperate attempt to control a past that she can no longer alter.
The Significance of the Television Interview
The television interview is a crucial element in understanding the film’s ending. It provides Briony with a platform to confess the truth, albeit belatedly. This confession allows her to acknowledge the damage she caused and to finally relinquish the burden of her secret. By revealing the fictional nature of the reunion, she dismantles the illusion of redemption and forces the audience to confront the harsh realities of war and its devastating consequences. The interview also serves as a meta-commentary on the power of storytelling and its potential to both distort and illuminate the truth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Atonement’s Ending
Here are some common questions and insightful answers regarding the ending of Atonement.
What exactly did Briony lie about?
Briony, as a young girl, witnessed Robbie Turner near a fountain and later found her cousin Lola Quincey assaulted. Believing she saw Robbie commit the crime, she identified him to the police, despite conflicting evidence and her own uncertain observations. This false accusation led to Robbie’s imprisonment and ultimately altered the course of his and Cecilia’s lives.
Why did Briony wait so long to tell the truth?
Briony’s delay in confessing stems from a combination of fear, guilt, and the realization that her actions had irreversible consequences. As time passed, the weight of her lie became increasingly heavy, but the prospect of facing the repercussions and the potential judgment of others likely contributed to her prolonged silence.
How does the film’s structure contribute to the impact of the ending?
The film’s fragmented narrative, shifting perspectives, and unreliable narration create a sense of uncertainty and ambiguity. This structure prepares the audience for the ultimate revelation that the seemingly happy ending is a fabrication, emphasizing the subjective nature of memory and the power of storytelling to distort reality.
What is the significance of Briony becoming a nurse during the war?
Briony’s decision to become a nurse during the war can be seen as an attempt to atone for her actions by dedicating herself to helping others. While she may not have been able to undo the damage she caused, she sought to find some measure of redemption through acts of compassion and service.
Does the film suggest that Briony’s atonement is successful?
The film ultimately suggests that true atonement is impossible. While Briony may find some solace in confessing her lie and creating a fictional reunion, the fact remains that she cannot undo the past or bring Robbie and Cecilia back to life. Her act of atonement, therefore, is ultimately limited and serves as a reminder of the enduring consequences of her actions.
What is the symbolic meaning of the Dunkirk sequence?
The Dunkirk sequence is a pivotal moment in the film that underscores the horrors of war and the fragility of human life. Robbie’s experiences at Dunkirk highlight the devastating impact of conflict on individuals and the loss of innocence that accompanies it. It also emphasizes the impossibility of redemption in the face of such widespread destruction.
Why is the ending so controversial for some viewers?
Some viewers find the ending controversial because it undermines the emotional investment they made in the characters and their relationship. The revelation that the reunion is a fabrication can be seen as a betrayal of the audience’s expectations and a denial of the possibility of a happy ending.
What does the movie say about the power of storytelling?
Atonement powerfully illustrates both the potential and the limitations of storytelling. While stories can provide comfort, entertainment, and even a sense of closure, they can also be used to manipulate the truth and perpetuate harmful narratives. The film encourages viewers to critically examine the stories they consume and to be aware of the biases and perspectives that shape them.
How do Robbie and Cecilia die?
Robbie dies of septicemia contracted from an injury sustained during his retreat from Dunkirk. Cecilia dies in a London hospital during an air raid. Neither is reunited with the other in life.
What is the significance of the word “Atonement” as the film’s title?
The word “Atonement” encapsulates the central theme of the film: the attempt to make amends for wrongdoing. The title suggests that Briony’s journey is driven by a desire to atone for her childhood lie, but the ending ultimately reveals the limitations of this endeavor. The film explores the complexities of guilt, redemption, and the enduring consequences of past actions.
What are the major themes explored in Atonement besides atonement itself?
Besides atonement, the film explores themes of guilt, forgiveness, class differences, the destructive nature of war, the power of childhood imagination, the subjective nature of memory, and the unreliability of narratives. All of these themes intertwine to create a complex and thought-provoking exploration of human nature and the consequences of our choices.
Is Atonement a story about forgiveness?
While Atonement touches on the theme of forgiveness, it primarily emphasizes the difficulty of achieving it, especially when the consequences of one’s actions are so profound. The film raises questions about whether forgiveness is ever truly possible and whether it can ever fully erase the damage caused by past mistakes. Ultimately, the film suggests that some actions are simply too devastating to be fully forgiven, leaving a lasting legacy of guilt and regret.