The Big Departure Ending Explained: What Really Happened?

The Big Departure Ending Explained: This is the only feature directed by the famed French painter and sculptor Martial Raysse. Directed by Martial Raysse, this 1972 drama film stars Sterling Hayden (M. Nature / The Leader), alongside Anne Wiazemsky as Mona Lisa, Gilles Raysse as Caïn, Lucienne Hamon as Mme Nature. With a 6/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.

What Happens at the End of The Big Departure?

This is the only feature directed by the famed French painter and sculptor Martial Raysse. In keeping with the revolutionary spirit of the time, the movie has no plot to speak of and appears to have been largely made up on the spot. We follow the cat man into a bizarre fantasy universe presented in negative exposure that reverses color values (black is white and vice versa) and written words. The cat man steals a car and then picks up a young girl he promises to take to “Heaven.” Heaven turns out to be a country chateau inhabited by several more animal mask wearing weirdoes...

Martial Raysse's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Sterling Hayden (M. Nature / The Leader)'s journey. In keeping with the revolutionary spirit of the time, the movie has no plot to speak of and appears to have been largely made up on the spot.

How Does Sterling Hayden (M. Nature / The Leader)'s Story End?

Sterling Hayden: Sterling Hayden's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
Anne Wiazemsky (Mona Lisa): Anne Wiazemsky's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
Gilles Raysse (Caïn): Gilles Raysse's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of The Big Departure Mean?

The Big Departure's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Sterling Hayden may feel rushed. Martial Raysse's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.