UNHAPPY ENDINGS

Vertigo

In the current British televisual climate there is a leaning towards the bleak and the edgy, with the likes of Scandinavian detective and police shows, Top Of The Lake, Broadchurch, The Fall and now Southcliffe offsetting the mountain of trivial offal that is available through 

the cathode ray.

This trend shows that there doesn't always have to be a happy ending. In cinematic terms there have been many movies, even of a classic nature, that eschew a jolly outcome. Doomed lovers and criminal comeuppance were the stock in trade for Film Noir and horror has a default of dread, but other genres have surprised us with gloomy outcomes.

Here are a few of my favourite movies that leave us with the sour taste of a grim outcome, yet are extremely enjoyable.

In fact the movie currently rated as the greatest of all time has the ultimate 'down' finale.

Repulsion

Angel Heart

Se7en

To Live And Die In LA

Shutter Island

Mulholland Drive

Cool Hand Luke

D.O.A

Revolutionary Road

The Fly

Invasion Of The Bodysnatchers

Planet Of The Apes

The Fox And The Hound

Fail Safe

"Katie...a dream...The Matador...the Matador...the Matador...me...me"