The movie Deliverance ends with Ed Gentry, Drew Ballinger, and Bobby Trippe, profoundly scarred by their ordeal, returning to civilization after surviving a harrowing kayak trip through the Cahulawassee River. While the river’s damming is complete, the film’s chilling conclusion leaves viewers with lingering questions about morality, guilt, and the inescapable consequences of violence.
The River’s Grip: Unraveling the Final Scenes
The final act of Deliverance focuses on the survivors’ desperate attempts to escape the wilderness after a series of increasingly horrific events. Lewis Medlock, severely injured by a gunshot, is largely incapacitated. The burden of leadership falls upon Ed, who must confront not only the immediate dangers of the river but also the moral complexities of their actions.
The downstream journey is perilous, requiring them to navigate treacherous rapids and evade the potential threat of further attacks. As they approach civilization, a profound sense of unease permeates their interactions. The unspoken weight of their collective trauma hangs heavy in the air.
Upon reaching Aintry, they report Lewis’s injury and the “accidental” death of Drew. Sheriff Bullard, however, clearly suspects something is amiss, particularly concerning the discrepancies in their account of Drew’s demise. He suggests the body will be recovered when the river is dammed. The film deliberately leaves the audience uncertain about whether Drew’s true fate, and the potential involvement of foul play, will ever be fully uncovered.
The final scene shows Ed, back in his seemingly safe suburban life, lying in bed with his wife. He is plagued by a recurring nightmare of a pointing hand emerging from the water, a chilling reminder of the horror he experienced and the secrets he carries. The ending underscores the film’s central theme: the wilderness, and the savagery it can unleash, leaves an indelible mark on the soul. The film concludes without offering definitive closure, leaving the audience to contemplate the long-term psychological impact of their actions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Deliverance’s Ending
What happens to Lewis after the trip?
Lewis is shown being transported to a hospital to treat his severe leg injury. The extent of his long-term recovery is not explicitly depicted, but it is clear he will endure a lengthy and painful rehabilitation. More importantly, the experience significantly alters his worldview and his relationship with the other men. His assertive, confident personality is noticeably diminished, replaced by a quiet contemplation of their shared trauma.
What really happened to Drew Ballinger?
The film presents multiple explanations for Drew’s death. Lewis believes he was shot from the woods. Ed and Bobby suggest he fell from the kayak and drowned. Sheriff Bullard suspects foul play. The ambiguity surrounding Drew’s death is a crucial element of the film. Whether he was killed, accidentally or deliberately, by someone else or simply succumbed to the circumstances remains a question mark, fueling the film’s unsettling atmosphere.
Why does Sheriff Bullard seem suspicious?
Sheriff Bullard is depicted as a seasoned law enforcement officer, acutely aware of the potential for deception. He notices inconsistencies in the men’s story, particularly concerning Drew’s disappearance. He understands the men are withholding information, and while he cannot prove any wrongdoing, his demeanor implies a strong suspicion that something more sinister occurred than what they are admitting. He is a representation of societal law and order juxtaposed against the lawlessness the men encountered in the wilderness.
What is the significance of Ed’s recurring nightmare?
Ed’s nightmare, featuring a hand emerging from the water, symbolizes the unresolved trauma and guilt he carries after their experience on the river. The hand represents the submerged truth and the moral compromises he made in order to survive. It is a visual manifestation of his psychological burden and the enduring psychological impact of the violence he witnessed and participated in. He cannot escape the haunting memories of what transpired in the wilderness.
How does the film portray the clash between civilization and wilderness?
Deliverance explores the tension between the perceived safety and order of civilization and the raw, untamed power of the wilderness. The characters, initially seeking adventure and escape, are confronted with the brutality and unpredictability of nature, both human and environmental. The film suggests that even seemingly civilized individuals are capable of violence and primal behavior when placed in extreme circumstances. The damming of the river at the end highlights civilization’s attempt to control and conquer nature.
What are the major themes explored in Deliverance?
The film delves into themes of masculinity, survival, moral ambiguity, and the inherent capacity for violence that exists within human nature. It explores the psychological impact of trauma, the complexities of friendship under duress, and the potential for the wilderness to strip away the veneer of civilization.
Why is the film titled Deliverance? What are they delivered from?
The title Deliverance is intentionally ambiguous. It can be interpreted in several ways. On one level, it refers to the literal deliverance from the dangers of the river. On a deeper level, it suggests a deliverance from innocence, from naivete, and from the comfortable illusions of civilized life. However, that “deliverance” comes at a steep price; the characters are also delivered into a realm of guilt and haunting memories.
How does the ending of the film affect the audience?
The ambiguous and unsettling ending of Deliverance is designed to leave a lasting impression on the audience. It avoids providing easy answers or a sense of resolution, forcing viewers to confront the moral complexities of the story and to question the nature of good and evil. The open-endedness invites contemplation and fuels discussion about the characters’ actions and their consequences.
What is the significance of the music in Deliverance?
The banjo duet, “Dueling Banjos” (often misattributed as “Duelin’ Banjos”), is perhaps the most iconic musical moment in the film. It initially represents a connection and a temporary harmony between the city men and the rural inhabitants. However, this harmony is quickly shattered, mirroring the breakdown of their initial expectations and the escalating violence that follows. The jarring, almost dissonant music that accompanies the more violent scenes amplifies the film’s unsettling atmosphere.
How does the film portray the rural population of the area?
The film’s portrayal of the rural population has been a source of considerable debate. Some argue that it relies on harmful stereotypes, depicting them as backward, inbred, and inherently violent. Others contend that the film offers a more nuanced perspective, exploring the social and economic marginalization of these communities. Regardless of interpretation, the film presents a stark contrast between the urban visitors and the rural residents, highlighting the cultural divides and misunderstandings that can lead to conflict.
What is the film’s legacy and its impact on popular culture?
Deliverance had a significant impact on popular culture, influencing subsequent films and television shows that explore themes of wilderness survival, male bonding, and the dark side of human nature. The film’s iconic imagery and memorable scenes, particularly the “squeal like a pig” scene, have become deeply ingrained in the collective consciousness. It is a landmark film that continues to provoke discussion and debate about its themes and its portrayal of rural America.
Does the damming of the river have symbolic meaning?
Yes, the damming of the Cahulawassee River is a powerful symbol of progress encroaching on the natural world. It represents civilization’s attempt to control and subdue nature, often at the expense of the environment and the communities that depend on it. The damming also serves as a metaphor for the suppression of the wild, primal instincts that the characters confront during their journey. The completion of the dam underscores the irreversible changes that have occurred, both to the landscape and to the men themselves. The river, once a source of adventure and potential, is now a controlled, artificial lake, mirroring the characters’ attempts to control and suppress their memories of the ordeal.
Ultimately, Deliverance is a haunting and thought-provoking film that continues to resonate with audiences decades after its release. The ending, deliberately ambiguous and unsettling, serves as a potent reminder of the enduring power of the wilderness and the inescapable consequences of violence.