The Vertical Smile Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Vertical Smile.
The Vertical Smile Ending Explained: A kaleidoscope of images from history populate this skillfully animated French feature. Directed by Robert Lapoujade, this 1973 drama film stars Françoise Brion (Lennie), alongside François Perrot as Relde, Henri Serre as Tablo, Olivier Hussenot as Doux Donnie. With a 8/10 audience rating, the ending has been widely praised.
What Happens at the End of The Vertical Smile?
A kaleidoscope of images from history populate this skillfully animated French feature. The story concerns a history professor whose ideas about human history cause him distress. Amid a flurry of newsreel-type images, Joan of Arc's trial is shown. Another theme which emerges is of two ages (in the far past and far future) in which naked humans fight one another with animalistic aggression.
Robert Lapoujade's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Françoise Brion (Lennie)'s journey. The story concerns a history professor whose ideas about human history cause him distress.
How Does Françoise Brion (Lennie)'s Story End?
- Françoise Brion: Françoise Brion's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Robert Lapoujade delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 1h 50m runtime.
- François Perrot (Relde): François Perrot's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Henri Serre (Tablo): Henri Serre's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Vertical Smile Mean?
The Vertical Smile concludes with Robert Lapoujade reinforcing the drama themes established throughout the film. The final moments with Françoise Brion leave a lasting impression — the ending is both a resolution and a statement about the story's central questions.