The End

The End is a dark comedy-drama film released in 1978, helmed by star Burt Reynolds himself. Besides directing, Reynolds also plays the lead role in this film, with a cast full of remarkable actors such as Sally Field and Dom DeLuise. The movie explores the raw and turbulent journey of a man coming to grips with mortality, sprinkled with both hilarious and heartbreaking moments. It is not your typical drama film; instead, it is laced with a distinctive comedic undertone that provides much-needed levity to its hard-hitting theme.

In the film, Reynolds takes on the character of Wendell Sonny Lawson, a successful yet self-centered real estate promoter. His affluence and arrogance come to a screeching halt when he receives a terminal diagnosis - an incurable blood disease that leaves him with a short time to live. This news spirals Sonny into a whirlwind of emotions, provoking him to reflect upon his purpose and confront his fears and shortcomings. He maneuvers through denial, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, going through the five stages of grief throughout the film.

The film successfully encapsulates Sonny's efforts to mend fences and leave a good legacy behind, in many ways that are both heartrending and humorous. Besides fumbling around to set his affairs in order, Sonny also makes endeavors to communicate his feelings to those he has hurt or wronged during his life. It subtly portrays the process of reconciling with mortality while struggling to maintain sanity.

Sally Field plays the role of Mary Ellen, Sonny's supportive on-and-off girlfriend. She accompanies Sonny in this rollercoaster of emotions, standing by his side as his rock amidst his profound spiraling downfall. Their chemistry, coupled with Field's ability to portray unwavering love and support, adds a considerable emotional weight to the film.

Adding to the comedic undertone of the movie is Dom DeLuise, who plays the character of Marlon Borunki. Marlon is a mental patient and a fellow confidante Lawson meets in a therapy group, who effectively acts as the comic relief of the story with his peculiar quirks and eccentric nature. DeLuise's performance stands out, balancing occasional hilarity and sanity among floating thoughts of morbid seriousness. He plays a bigger role in Lawson's path and comes up with a surprising proposition for Sonny, throwing a spin into the plot and bringing a fresh perspective to Sonny's life journey.

While the story largely revolves around the grim confrontation with mortality, it is far from a depressing storyline. The movie uses dark humor and wit to underscore the gravity of confronting one's mortality. It showcases a hurting man's struggle in trying to deal with his inevitable end. Yet, it is uniquely punctuated with laughter and unexpected turns. It's not merely about accepting the end, but also about understanding the multifaceted nature of life and learning how to live.

The screenplay, written by Jerry Belson, cleverly incorporates comical elements into technically a tragedy. Dialogues are witty, scenes are memorable, and characters are engaging. There are elements of satire and farce, skillfully intertwined with the significant theme, underlining the absurdity of life situations.

In the realm of cinematography, the film beautifully brings out the glamour of Los Angeles, where it is set, balancing it with its compelling narrative. The music scored by Paul Williams adds depth to the storyline, blending well with the tone and mood of the film.

Burt Reynolds brilliantly glides into the role of the protagonist, delivering one of the most memorable performances of his career. His physical comedy, coupled with his ability to extract humor even from intense situations, stands as the highlight of the film.

In conclusion, The End is a thought-provoking film, flavored with an enticing blend of comedy and drama. The film tends to grow on you with time, leaving you pondering upon the fragile and fleeting nature of life. Although built around a heavy subject matter, the comic twists and turns of the narrative makes it a movie worth watching. The movie encourages its audience to reflect on their lives and face situations with courage, strength, and, most significantly, humor. It successfully tells us that sometimes, it is essential to find laughter even in our darkest hours.