Roman Dialogue Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?

What Happens at the End of Roman Dialogue?

'The subject of this film is the conversation between a man and a woman. A couple, maybe lovers, maybe married, it doesn't matter. (...) During this conversation, we do not see but the city of Rome. I wanted to transmit that what Rome provokes in me, the feeling of an intrinsic matter, indissoluble, in difference with Paris, made of small parks and open spaces, crossed by the sky and the wind. Hand in hand with the film, the difficulty of the two lovers assumes a clearer, more explicit form. But as much as, in my opinion, it is impossible to describe and film Rome, the difficulty in the love of a couple can never be totally understood.' - Marguerite Duras, Venice film festival catalogue, 1982.

Marguerite Duras's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Paolo Graziosi (Lui (voice))'s journey. A couple, maybe lovers, maybe married, it doesn't matter.

How Does Paolo Graziosi (Lui (voice))'s Story End?

• Paolo Graziosi: Paolo Graziosi's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
• Anna Nogara (Lei (voice)): Anna Nogara's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
• Goliarda Sapienza: Goliarda Sapienza's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of Roman Dialogue Mean?

Roman Dialogue's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Paolo Graziosi may feel rushed. Marguerite Duras's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.