The 2007 film Cleaner, starring Samuel L. Jackson as Tom Cutler, ends with a complex moral reckoning where Cutler chooses to protect his family by covering up a politically motivated murder, ultimately sacrificing his own peace of mind and potentially jeopardizing his future. The film concludes without definitive legal repercussions for Cutler, leaving the audience to grapple with the ambiguities of his actions and the corrupting influence of power.
A Descent into Darkness: Summarizing the Final Act
The final act of Cleaner is a masterclass in suspense, unraveling the conspiracy behind Ann Norcut’s murder and forcing Tom Cutler, a former police officer turned crime scene cleaner, to make impossible choices. After discovering evidence implicating powerful figures, including Peter Van Larken, the Assistant District Attorney, Cutler finds himself entangled in a web of blackmail, political intrigue, and deadly cover-ups. He’s pressured to erase all traces of the crime, knowing full well the implications of his actions.
Cutler’s initial instinct is to do the right thing and expose the truth. However, the threat to his daughter, Rose, forces him to confront his priorities. The realization that Van Larken will stop at nothing to protect his reputation and political ambitions fuels Cutler’s agonizing decision: protect his family or pursue justice.
The Calculated Cover-Up and Its Consequences
In the film’s climax, Cutler successfully cleans the crime scene, removing all evidence that could incriminate Van Larken. This action ensures Rose’s safety, but it comes at a steep price. He’s now an accomplice to a serious crime, forever bound to the secret and potentially vulnerable to future manipulation by Van Larken.
The ending scenes depict Cutler returning home to his daughter, seemingly resuming their life. However, the unspoken tension and the lingering awareness of what he’s done hang heavy in the air. He’s achieved a temporary reprieve, but the film suggests that his past actions will continue to haunt him.
The ambiguous nature of the ending leaves the audience questioning the true cost of Cutler’s choices. Did he make the right decision by prioritizing his family’s safety, even at the expense of justice? Or did he succumb to the corrupting influence of power, perpetuating a cycle of violence and deceit? Cleaner intentionally avoids providing easy answers, forcing viewers to grapple with these complex moral dilemmas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Ending of “Cleaner”
H3: What exactly was Tom Cutler covering up?
Tom Cutler was covering up the murder of Ann Norcut, a woman who had compromising information about Peter Van Larken, the Assistant District Attorney. This information involved a shady land deal and threatened Van Larken’s political career. Cutler effectively erased all physical evidence linking Van Larken to the crime scene.
H3: Why did Tom Cutler choose to cover up the murder instead of going to the police?
Cutler’s decision stemmed from the threat Van Larken posed to his daughter, Rose. Van Larken implied, and arguably directly threatened, Rose’s safety if Cutler didn’t cooperate. Faced with protecting his child or pursuing justice, Cutler chose to protect his family. This emphasizes the film’s central theme of parental sacrifice.
H3: Does Peter Van Larken get away with the murder?
Yes, in the immediate aftermath of the film, Peter Van Larken appears to get away with the murder. Cutler’s actions ensure that no evidence links him to the crime. However, the film suggests that the moral and emotional consequences of his actions will continue to haunt him. Whether he ultimately faces justice later is left ambiguous.
H3: What is the significance of the film’s title, “Cleaner”?
The title refers to Tom Cutler’s profession – cleaning up crime scenes. It also has a metaphorical meaning, suggesting the attempts to “clean up” messes created by powerful individuals, often at the expense of justice and morality. Cutler’s role as the cleaner highlights the dark underbelly of society.
H3: Is there any indication that Cutler regrets his decision?
Yes, the film heavily implies that Cutler regrets his decision. While he outwardly appears to be resuming his life with Rose, the lingering tension and the weight of his actions are palpable. The final scenes suggest that he’s forever marked by the experience and will struggle to reconcile his actions with his conscience. The burden of guilt is a key aspect of the ending.
H3: What is the role of Lynn Detective Bronson in the ending?
Detective Bronson plays a relatively minor role in the concluding moments. While she initially suspects something is amiss, there’s no concrete evidence to directly implicate Cutler or Van Larken. She serves as a reminder of the potential consequences if the truth were to be revealed, adding to the suspense.
H3: Does Cutler expose the information Ann Norcut had on Van Larken to anyone?
No, Cutler doesn’t expose the information Ann Norcut had on Van Larken. His primary focus shifts to protecting Rose, and he seemingly abandons the pursuit of justice in favor of ensuring her safety. The information, therefore, remains buried, and Van Larken’s secrets are preserved.
H3: Could Cutler have found a different solution that protected his daughter and brought Van Larken to justice?
The film presents Cutler with a seemingly impossible dilemma. While other solutions might be theoretically possible, such as going into witness protection or finding a way to gather irrefutable evidence without jeopardizing Rose, the film intentionally emphasizes the limited options and the urgency of the situation to heighten the tension and force Cutler’s difficult choice. This creates a moral grey area.
H3: Is there a sequel to “Cleaner”?
No, there is no sequel to “Cleaner.” The film’s ambiguous ending intentionally leaves the audience to contemplate the consequences of Cutler’s actions and the broader themes of morality and corruption. A sequel might risk undermining the power of that ambiguity.
H3: What are the main themes explored in the ending of “Cleaner”?
The ending of Cleaner explores several important themes, including:
- Moral ambiguity: The film avoids presenting a clear-cut right or wrong answer, forcing viewers to grapple with the complexities of ethical dilemmas.
- Parental sacrifice: The lengths a parent will go to protect their child.
- Corruption and power: The abuse of power by individuals in positions of authority.
- Consequences of actions: The long-term impact of choices, even those made with good intentions.
- The price of silence: The dangers of complicity and the erosion of justice.
H3: How does the ending contribute to the overall message of the film?
The ending is crucial to the film’s overall message. By leaving the audience with unanswered questions and a sense of unease, Cleaner emphasizes the pervasive nature of corruption and the difficulty of achieving true justice. It suggests that even well-intentioned individuals can be forced to compromise their values in the face of overwhelming pressure. The lack of resolution is deliberate.
H3: What makes the ending of “Cleaner” controversial?
The controversy stems from the fact that the protagonist, Cutler, essentially becomes complicit in a crime to protect his family. While many viewers understand his motivation, others find his actions morally reprehensible. The ambiguous nature of the ending, which doesn’t offer a clear resolution or punishment for Van Larken, also contributes to the debate, provoking discussions about justice, morality, and the complexities of difficult choices. This sparks significant ethical debate.