The Living Corpse Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Living Corpse.
The Living Corpse Ending Explained: The Russian nobleman Fyodor Vasilievich Protasov cannot put up with the hypocrisy of his environment, but is powerless to fight it. Directed by Vladimir Vengerov, this 1952 drama film stars Nikolai Simonov (Fyodor Vasilievich Protasov (Fedya)), alongside Galina Iniutina as Yelizaveta Andreyevna Protasova (Liza), Yelizaveta Time as Anna Pavlovna, Liza's Mother, Klavdiya Trofimova as Sasha, Liza's Sister. With a 6.5/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Living Corpse?
The Russian nobleman Fyodor Vasilievich Protasov cannot put up with the hypocrisy of his environment, but is powerless to fight it. He begins to drink, leaves the house and gradually falls. The behavior of Protasov helps to bring his wife Liza closer to a longtime friend of the family, Viktor Karenin. Unable to endure the lies and humiliation associated with the upcoming divorce proceedings, Fedya pretends to commit suicide and seemed to forever leave his family. It is only due to the accident that it becomes known that Fedor Protasov is alive. Liza, reconciled with the death of her husband and became the wife of Karenin, is summoned to court on charges of duality. To stop the stupid and deceitful comedy of the court and rid the shame of innocent people, Protasov shoots himself.
Vladimir Vengerov's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Nikolai Simonov (Fyodor Vasilievich Protasov (Fedya))'s journey. He begins to drink, leaves the house and gradually falls.
How Does Nikolai Simonov (Fyodor Vasilievich Protasov (Fedya))'s Story End?
- Nikolai Simonov: Nikolai Simonov's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Galina Iniutina (Yelizaveta Andreyevna Protasova (Liza)): Galina Iniutina's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Yelizaveta Time (Anna Pavlovna, Liza's Mother): Yelizaveta Time's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Living Corpse Mean?
The Living Corpse's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Nikolai Simonov may feel rushed. Vladimir Vengerov's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.