Prick Up Your Ears Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for Prick Up Your Ears.
Prick Up Your Ears Ending Explained: When the young, attractive Joe Orton meets the older, more introverted Kenneth Halliwell at drama school, he befriends the kindred spirit and they start an affair. Directed by Stephen Frears, this 1987 drama film stars Gary Oldman (Joe Orton), alongside Alfred Molina as Kenneth Halliwell, Vanessa Redgrave as Peggy Ramsay, Wallace Shawn as John Lahr. With a 6.7/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of Prick Up Your Ears?
When the young, attractive Joe Orton meets the older, more introverted Kenneth Halliwell at drama school, he befriends the kindred spirit and they start an affair. As Orton becomes more comfortable with his sexuality and starts to find success with his writing, Halliwell becomes increasingly alienated and jealous, ultimately tapping into a dangerous rage.
Stephen Frears's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Gary Oldman (Joe Orton)'s journey. As Orton becomes more comfortable with his sexuality and starts to find success with his writing, Halliwell becomes increasingly alienated and jealous, ultimately tapping into a dangerous rage.
How Does Gary Oldman (Joe Orton)'s Story End?
- Gary Oldman: Gary Oldman's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Alfred Molina (Kenneth Halliwell): Alfred Molina's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Vanessa Redgrave (Peggy Ramsay): Vanessa Redgrave's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Prick Up Your Ears Mean?
Prick Up Your Ears's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Gary Oldman may feel rushed. Stephen Frears's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.