The 1998 supernatural thriller Fallen concludes with a brutal, tragic, and ultimately clever twist: Detective John Hobbes (Denzel Washington), possessed by the demon Azazel, sacrifices himself, along with his possessed friend Jonesy (John Goodman), by blowing himself up in a remote cabin, seemingly ending Azazel’s reign of terror. This act is meticulously orchestrated by Azazel to circumvent Hobbes’s earlier plan to trap him permanently in a human host. The true horror lies in the revelation that Azazel, through a final calculated move, has outsmarted Hobbes and transferred himself into Hobbes’s partner, Stanton (Elias Koteas), who walks away from the scene, free and ready to continue his malevolent existence.
The Deceptive Victory: Hobbes’s Sacrifice and its Hollow Promise
Hobbes believes he has cornered Azazel. He successfully tricks the demon into possessing Jonesy, a man he trusts implicitly and would never intentionally harm. The plan is straightforward: Hobbes will isolate Jonesy in a remote cabin, allowing him to die from natural causes within the confines of that location. Since Azazel can only inhabit a host if that host willingly leaves their body or is directly responsible for their death, Hobbes believes he can trap the demon indefinitely.
However, Azazel, portrayed as a being of immense cunning and foresight, anticipates Hobbes’s strategy. He engineers a series of events that lead Hobbes to understand the only way to truly stop him is to kill Jonesy. This realization is agonizing for Hobbes, blurring the lines between justice and monstrous necessity. Ultimately, Hobbes chooses the lesser of two evils, rigging the cabin with explosives and detonating them while both he (possessed) and Jonesy (possessed) are inside.
This apparent victory is short-lived. As Hobbes succumbs to the flames, we see a seemingly innocuous cigarette case discarded near Stanton. This subtly suggests the transfer of Azazel, a moment confirmed in the film’s final, chilling scene. Stanton, observing the aftermath from afar, casually picks up the cigarette case, a knowing look betraying his true identity. The narrative deliberately manipulates the viewer into believing in Hobbes’s success, only to shatter that illusion with the revelation of Azazel’s ultimate triumph.
Decoding the Devil: Azazel’s Tactics and Motivations
Azazel is not just a brute force; he’s a master manipulator. He exploits human weaknesses, preying on fear, guilt, and desperation to achieve his goals. His ability to transfer seamlessly between bodies makes him incredibly difficult to contain. He uses common vernacular (“time is on my side”) to further psychologically torment Hobbes. He also uses the media, appearing on television and radio, to spread his influence and sow chaos.
The film never explicitly states Azazel’s ultimate goal, but his actions suggest a desire to spread discord and corruption, ultimately reveling in the suffering he inflicts. He sees humanity as weak and easily manipulated, and he enjoys proving his superiority through intricate and malicious schemes. The film subtly hints at a broader, cosmic conflict, but the focus remains on Azazel’s personal vendetta against Hobbes, whom he views as an obstacle to his malevolent designs.
Fallen: Frequently Asked Questions
H3 What exactly is Azazel, according to the film?
Azazel is portrayed as a fallen angel, a demon with the ability to transfer his consciousness between human hosts through physical contact. The specific mechanics of this transfer are never fully explained, but it appears to require the recipient to be either vulnerable (e.g., incapacitated, close to death) or susceptible to manipulation. He’s also seen as an ancient entity with vast knowledge and a deep understanding of human psychology.
H3 Why does Azazel target John Hobbes?
Azazel initially targets Hobbes because he investigated and ultimately prosecuted the serial killer who served as Azazel’s first modern host. Hobbes’s relentless pursuit and eventual capture of the killer directly interfered with Azazel’s plans. This creates a personal vendetta, with Azazel seeking to torment and destroy Hobbes psychologically and professionally.
H3 How does Azazel choose his hosts?
Azazel seems to choose hosts who are either physically weak or emotionally vulnerable. He exploits individuals who are already predisposed to negative emotions, such as anger, resentment, or despair. He can also transfer himself opportunistically, taking advantage of situations where individuals are injured or unconscious. The common thread is a lack of resistance to his influence.
H3 What is the significance of the song “Time Is On My Side”?
The song “Time Is On My Side” by The Rolling Stones is a recurring motif used by Azazel to taunt and torment Hobbes. Each host Azazel possesses hums or sings the song, serving as a chilling reminder of the demon’s presence and his seemingly inevitable victory. It becomes a symbol of Azazel’s control and Hobbes’s mounting despair.
H3 Could Hobbes have stopped Azazel without sacrificing himself?
The film strongly suggests that Hobbes’s sacrifice was the only viable option given the circumstances. While his initial plan to trap Azazel in Jonesy seemed promising, Azazel anticipated this and manipulated events to force Hobbes’s hand. Ultimately, Hobbes’s ethical code prevented him from allowing Azazel to continue possessing innocent people, making self-sacrifice the only “moral” choice.
H3 What are the implications of Stanton being possessed at the end?
The ending implies that Azazel remains a potent threat, free to continue his malevolent activities. Stanton, as Hobbes’s partner, had access to crucial information about the case, making him a particularly dangerous host. Furthermore, the fact that Azazel was able to successfully transfer into Stanton despite Hobbes’s efforts highlights the demon’s cunning and resilience.
H3 Is there any religious basis for the demon Azazel in the film?
Yes, the name “Azazel” comes from Jewish mythology, where he is depicted as a fallen angel or a scapegoat for the sins of humanity. The film borrows this name and some of the broader concepts associated with the figure, but it takes significant liberties in its depiction of Azazel’s powers and motivations.
H3 What is the significance of the cabin in the final scene?
The cabin is significant because it represents Hobbes’s final attempt to contain Azazel. It is a remote and isolated location, chosen specifically to prevent the demon from transferring to another host after Jonesy’s death. The explosion of the cabin symbolizes the failure of Hobbes’s plan and the ultimate triumph of Azazel.
H3 Why does Azazel discard the cigarette case when transferring to Stanton?
The discarded cigarette case is a subtle but crucial detail. It serves as a visual cue, signaling the moment of Azazel’s transfer from Hobbes to Stanton. The act of discarding it suggests a casual indifference and a sense of triumph on Azazel’s part. It’s a symbolic act, highlighting his disregard for human life and his confidence in his ability to outwit his adversaries.
H3 Was the ending always intended to be so ambiguous and dark?
According to various interviews, the ending was debated extensively during production. While some involved wanted a more conclusive, heroic ending, director Gregory Hoblit insisted on the darker, more ambiguous finale. He believed that the ambiguous ending better reflected the complexities of good versus evil and the limitations of human agency.
H3 What are some potential interpretations of the film’s themes?
Fallen explores several complex themes, including the nature of evil, the limits of human control, and the burden of responsibility. It also examines the psychological toll of fighting evil, highlighting the moral compromises that are sometimes necessary. The film can be interpreted as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of vigilance in the face of unseen threats.
H3 How does Fallen differ from other supernatural thrillers?
Fallen distinguishes itself through its unique portrayal of demonic possession. Unlike many films in the genre, it focuses less on exorcism and more on the psychological manipulation and strategic cunning of the demon. The concept of Azazel transferring between hosts is particularly innovative, creating a sense of constant uncertainty and paranoia. The film’s bleak and ambiguous ending also sets it apart, challenging conventional notions of good and evil.