Civil War concludes with a harrowing sequence at the Lincoln Memorial, where the Western Forces (WF), led by the determined photographer Lee Smith (Kirsten Dunst), journalist Joel (Wagner Moura), and aspiring photojournalist Jessie (Cailee Spaeny), finally reach President Joseph Blake (Nick Offerman). In a chaotic firefight within the iconic monument, the WF apprehends Blake, ultimately leaving his fate ambiguous while the audience is confronted with Jessie’s visceral photographs of the event, capturing the cost of war and the fragility of democracy.
The Siege of the Lincoln Memorial: A Detailed Breakdown
The final act of Civil War is a masterclass in suspense and controlled chaos. It abandons the earlier road trip format for a relentless, claustrophobic assault on the heart of Washington D.C. The Western Forces’ seemingly unstoppable advance culminates at the Lincoln Memorial, a symbolic bastion of American ideals.
The initial assault is swift and brutal. The WF, heavily armed and disciplined, overwhelms the remaining federal defenses. We see glimpses of the desperation on both sides, the chaotic scramble for cover, and the visceral impact of the violence. Director Alex Garland intentionally avoids providing a detailed explanation of the political complexities behind the war, instead focusing on the human cost. The focus is on the experience of war, not its justification.
Inside the Memorial: Confronting the President
Once inside the Lincoln Memorial, the tension ratchets up even further. The vast, echoing space amplifies the sense of vulnerability. Lee, Joel, and Jessie navigate the labyrinthine corridors, accompanied by the unrelenting WF soldiers. The film maintains its commitment to realism, depicting the confusion and panic of the situation.
The confrontation with President Blake is brief and anti-climactic. He’s found cowering in his office, seemingly resigned to his fate. There’s no grand speech, no defiant stand. He’s simply apprehended. This deliberate subversion of expectations reinforces the film’s theme of the erosion of power and the disillusionment caused by war.
Jessie’s Lens: Witnessing the Aftermath
The ending isn’t explicitly about the President’s fate, but rather about the impact of the event on Jessie. She has transitioned from an aspiring observer to a hardened witness. Her photographs, presented in the film’s final moments, are stark and unflinching depictions of the war’s consequences. These images serve as a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict and the responsibility of documenting such events.
The final scene lingers on Jessie’s face, her expression a complex mixture of shock, exhaustion, and a newfound understanding of the world. This ambiguous conclusion reinforces the film’s overall message: there are no easy answers in war, only lasting scars.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Civil War’s Ending
Here are some frequently asked questions about the ending of Civil War, providing further insights and clarifications:
1. What happens to the President at the end of Civil War?
The movie deliberately leaves the President’s fate ambiguous. While he is apprehended by the Western Forces, we do not see him executed or explicitly learn of his long-term fate. This ambiguity serves to emphasize the film’s focus on the broader consequences of war rather than the specific outcome of a political struggle. Some interpret his silence as acceptance of defeat, while others believe he might face some form of tribunal or imprisonment. The lack of resolution mirrors the uncertainty and lasting instability often left in the wake of civil conflicts.
2. Why doesn’t the film explicitly show the President’s execution or any other specific outcome?
Director Alex Garland intentionally avoids providing a definitive conclusion. He wants the audience to focus on the human cost of war, the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists in conflict zones, and the fragility of democracy. Showing a clear-cut resolution would have potentially overshadowed these more complex themes. The ambiguity is designed to provoke thought and discussion about the film’s deeper messages.
3. What is the significance of the Lincoln Memorial as the location for the final confrontation?
The Lincoln Memorial is a powerful symbol of American unity, freedom, and democracy. Setting the final confrontation there underscores the devastating consequences of a civil war that tears these foundational principles apart. The desecration of such an iconic landmark highlights the profound loss and disillusionment that result from internal conflict. The presence of Lincoln’s statue serves as a silent commentary on the fractured state of the nation.
4. What is the role of Jessie’s photographs in the film’s ending?
Jessie’s photographs are crucial. They represent the film’s perspective: a detached, yet deeply impactful, observation of the war’s horrors. They are a testament to her transformation from an inexperienced observer to a seasoned photojournalist capable of capturing the raw truth of conflict. The final shot of Jessie taking the picture of the WF soldiers posing with the apprehended President is particularly poignant, suggesting a moral complexity inherent in documenting such events.
5. Why is Kirsten Dunst’s character, Lee, killed during the final siege?
Lee’s death is a tragic culmination of the film’s themes of loss and the relentless nature of war. It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by journalists on the front lines. Lee’s death also acts as a catalyst for Jessie’s final transformation, forcing her to confront the true cost of her chosen profession and the importance of bearing witness. Lee’s cynical facade is stripped away, revealing a deep weariness with the violence she has documented for so long.
6. What are the “Florida Alliance” and the “Western Forces” mentioned in the film?
While the film doesn’t delve deeply into the specific political ideologies or grievances of each faction, the Florida Alliance, along with the Western Forces (California and Texas), represent secessionist movements challenging the authority of the federal government. Their precise motivations are left deliberately vague, highlighting the complexity and often senseless nature of civil conflicts. The focus remains on the consequences of the war, rather than the specific causes.
7. Does the film take a political stance on the Civil War?
No. The film intentionally avoids taking a specific political stance. It presents a neutral, observational perspective on the conflict, focusing on the human cost and the ethical dilemmas faced by those caught in its crosshairs. The ambiguity surrounding the causes and motivations of the war allows viewers to project their own interpretations onto the events, prompting reflection on the nature of conflict and the importance of empathy.
8. How realistic is the depiction of war in “Civil War”?
The film strives for realism in its depiction of war, portraying the chaos, brutality, and psychological impact of conflict on individuals. The sound design, cinematography, and performances all contribute to a visceral and unsettling experience that reflects the realities of modern warfare. While some aspects are heightened for dramatic effect, the film’s core focus remains on portraying the human experience of war authentically.
9. What is the significance of the absence of clear political exposition in the film?
The lack of clear political exposition is a deliberate choice by the filmmaker. It forces the audience to confront the human cost of conflict without being distracted by ideological debates or justifications. This approach allows the film to resonate with viewers regardless of their political beliefs, fostering a broader understanding of the destructive consequences of war.
10. What message is the film trying to convey about the role of journalism during a civil war?
The film presents a complex and nuanced view of the role of journalism during a civil war. It highlights the importance of bearing witness, documenting the truth, and holding those in power accountable. However, it also explores the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists in conflict zones, the psychological toll of witnessing violence, and the potential for manipulation and bias.
11. What does the ending suggest about the future of the United States after the Civil War?
The ending offers no easy answers or optimistic resolution regarding the future of the United States. The ambiguity suggests that the scars of the conflict will run deep and that the path to reconciliation will be long and arduous. The fractured state of the nation, symbolized by the damaged Lincoln Memorial, leaves the audience with a sense of uncertainty and apprehension about what lies ahead.
12. What are some possible interpretations of the film’s final scene?
The final scene is open to multiple interpretations. Some view it as a bleak commentary on the futility of war and the enduring power of violence. Others see it as a call to action, urging viewers to confront the realities of conflict and to work towards a more peaceful future. Still others interpret it as a celebration of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of bearing witness to history, even in its darkest moments. Ultimately, the meaning of the ending is left for each individual viewer to determine.