“The Blue Lagoon” ends with Richard and Emmeline, now with a baby, succumbing to apparent illness after consuming poisonous berries. They are found seemingly lifeless in their lagoon home by a passing ship’s captain and crew, leaving their fate ambiguous, though heavily implying they are alive.
The Discovery: A Supposedly Tragic Find
The film builds to its climax with Richard (Christopher Atkins) and Emmeline (Brooke Shields) having established a secluded life on their desert island paradise. They’ve grown from children to adults, fallen in love, and started a family. However, their idyllic existence is disrupted when Richard accidentally eats poisonous berries. Soon, Emmeline and their infant son ingest some as well.
The final scenes depict them weakened and seemingly unconscious. The camera lingers on their peaceful faces, conveying a sense of serenity even in their presumed final moments. Then, a ship arrives. The captain, seeing the motionless trio, assumes the worst. The ambiguity lies in the lack of definitive confirmation of their death.
Decoding the Ambiguity: Interpretations and Theories
The ending has been a subject of debate since the film’s release. Some interpret it as a tragic conclusion where the family succumbs to the dangers of their isolation. Others see it as a more optimistic portrayal, suggesting that they are merely deeply unconscious and will recover.
The key argument for the optimistic interpretation lies in the deliberate lack of a death scene. The camera focuses on their faces, which appear peaceful and relaxed, rather than conveying any signs of suffering. Further, the soft lighting and gentle score contribute to a sense of tranquility that contradicts the typical portrayal of death.
Ultimately, the ending is intentionally left open to interpretation, allowing viewers to project their own beliefs and values onto the narrative. This ambiguity is a major contributing factor to the film’s enduring popularity. The ambiguous ending forces viewers to confront the complex themes of innocence, survival, and the allure of nature.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the “Blue Lagoon” Ending
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding the conclusion of “The Blue Lagoon,” along with detailed answers:
H3: Are Richard and Emmeline actually dead at the end of “The Blue Lagoon”?
No, it is heavily implied that they are not. While they are found unconscious, the film never definitively states that they are dead. The peaceful appearance of their faces and the lack of a clear death scene suggest that they might have merely succumbed to the poison’s effects and could potentially be revived. The captain also finds them looking peaceful.
H3: What kind of berries did they eat?
The movie doesn’t specify the exact type of berry, but they are clearly identified as poisonous berries within the narrative. The impact of eating them is rapid and severe.
H3: Why didn’t they know the berries were poisonous?
Their isolation and inexperience with survival skills contribute to their mistake. Having lived on the island since childhood, they relied on their limited knowledge and observation. They likely misidentified the berries, or simply didn’t realize the potential danger. Innocence and naivety play a critical role in this pivotal plot point.
H3: Does the book “The Blue Lagoon” end the same way as the movie?
The book, written by Henry De Vere Stacpoole, offers a slightly less ambiguous ending. While Richard and Emmeline also consume poisonous berries, the book strongly implies their death, leaving less room for interpretation. The film adaptation deliberately altered the ending to create more uncertainty.
H3: Why did the filmmakers choose such an ambiguous ending?
The ambiguity allows for a wider range of interpretations and discussions about the film’s themes. It also avoids a potentially bleak and tragic conclusion, which might have alienated some viewers. The open ending contributes to the film’s lasting impact and invites viewers to contemplate the meaning of life, death, and innocence.
H3: Is there a sequel to “The Blue Lagoon” that clarifies their fate?
Yes, there is a sequel titled “Return to the Blue Lagoon” (1991). While it features a new set of characters, it establishes that Richard and Emmeline did, in fact, survive. Their son, the baby from the first film, is the main character in the sequel.
H3: What is the symbolic significance of the ambiguous ending?
The ambiguous ending can be interpreted as a metaphor for the uncertainty of life and the unpredictable nature of fate. It also highlights the fragility of human existence in the face of nature’s power. The island represents both paradise and peril, and the ending reflects this duality.
H3: How does the setting of the island contribute to the film’s themes?
The isolated island setting serves as a microcosm of society, allowing the filmmakers to explore themes of innocence, sexuality, and the challenges of survival. The absence of societal norms and expectations allows Richard and Emmeline to develop their own moral code and build a unique relationship. The lagoon itself represents a safe haven, but it ultimately cannot protect them from the harsh realities of nature.
H3: How did audiences react to the ending of “The Blue Lagoon” when it was first released?
Reactions were mixed. Some viewers found the ambiguous ending thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. Others were frustrated by the lack of closure and felt that it detracted from the overall narrative. The controversy surrounding the ending helped to fuel the film’s popularity and made it a topic of conversation.
H3: Is “The Blue Lagoon” considered a romantic film?
While it features elements of romance, “The Blue Lagoon” is also a coming-of-age story and a survival drama. The film explores the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of growing up in an isolated environment. The romantic aspect is intertwined with themes of innocence, discovery, and the struggle for survival. It’s therefore not solely a romance, but something more nuanced.
H3: What other films have similar ambiguous endings?
Films like “Inception,” “American Psycho,” and “Blade Runner” are known for their ambiguous endings that leave audiences questioning the true nature of reality and the fate of the characters. This technique allows for different interpretations and encourages viewers to engage with the film on a deeper level.
H3: What is the ultimate message or takeaway from “The Blue Lagoon”?
“The Blue Lagoon” doesn’t offer a single, definitive message, but rather explores a range of themes. It highlights the beauty and danger of nature, the challenges of survival, and the power of human connection. Ultimately, the film invites viewers to reflect on their own values and beliefs, and to consider the meaning of life, love, and loss. The central theme revolves around innocence lost and the complexities of human existence away from civilization’s influence.