What Happens at the End of A TV Dante?

A TV Dante is an experimental mini-series directed by Tom Phillips and legendary filmmaker Peter Greenaway. It covers eight of the thirty-four cantos in Dante Alighieri's Inferno, part of his 14th century epic poem The Divine Comedy. The eight cantos of the film are not conventionally dramatised, rather they are illuminated with layered and juxtaposed imagery while the text is read entirely in "talking head" fashion, and punctuated with a kaleidoscopic blend of both newly shot and archival footage.

Peter Greenaway's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on John Gielgud (Virgil)'s journey. It covers eight of the thirty-four cantos in Dante Alighieri's Inferno, part of his 14th century epic poem The Divine Comedy.

How Does John Gielgud (Virgil)'s Story End?

• John Gielgud: John Gielgud's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
• Joanne Whalley (Beatrice): Joanne Whalley's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
• Bob Peck (Dante): Bob Peck's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of A TV Dante Mean?

A TV Dante's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving John Gielgud may feel rushed. Peter Greenaway's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.