Tell versus show at end of a fiction film. . .

[Stephen Pruitt]

Hi all. . .

This is sort of the antithesis of cinematography, and it's probably just me, but on occasion I find that I really like an ending that puts a bit of written text at the end of a film to either "sum things up" or provide a new perspective on things.

While, generally, I agree that's it usually better to show rather than tell, I'm not convinced that approach is always better, and yet outside of films based on actual events, I'm not sure how often a tell not show ending occurs in high-quality films.

Can anyone point me to tell not show endings on great fictional films?

Thanks.

Stephen

 

[Satsuki Murashige]

Not sure this is an example of doing the technique well, but 'Psycho' comes immediately to mind. Also, 'Barry Lyndon.'

 

[Stephen Pruitt]

Barry Lyndon is a great example! Thanks.

Stephen