Manhattan (1979) Meaning and Ending Explanation

‘Manhattan’ intimates the story of two lovers caught in a world of illusions. In the pursuit of opportunity, wealth, and personal fulfillment, people fail to see where their actions are leading them. This cinematographic wonder deals with the questions which are arising in today’s society – what should we prioritize?

How do we define success? Is it really possible to achieve everything we want? In a bid to answer these questions that are encapsulated in the plot of ‘Manhattan’, here is a brief explanation of the meanings and ending of this iconic Hollywood film.

All Discussion Of Manhattan (1979) Meaning and Ending Explanation

The Meaning of Manhattan Movie

The story of two lovers – David ( Robert De Niro ) and Julie ( Isabelle Adjani ), who are caught up in the fast-paced, ever-changing world of New York City during the late 1940s and early 1950s. The film explores their relationship as it is pitted against pressures from society and from within themselves to achieve success.

The Story Behind Manhattan Movie

The film was loosely based on the novel of the same name by James Michener. It was directed by Woody Allen and produced by his production company, Blue Sky Productions. The music for the movie was composed by Lenny Bruce.

Hidden Meaning

The film’s hidden meaning is the modern-day dilemma of success. David and Julie are struggling to find their way in a world where opportunity and status seem to be everything. As they inch closer to achieving their goals, they are faced with questions about what it really means to be successful, and whether it’s possible or even desirable to achieve everything we want.

Ending of Manhattan Movie

Ultimately, the film depicts the challenges and ultimate failures of chasing after worldly success. David and Julie are torn between their own desires and those of society, ultimately losing themselves in the process.

Key Characters of Manhattan Movie

David

A successful writer who is struggling to find his identity in the fast-paced world of New York City.

Julie

A young woman who is trying to find her place in a rapidly changing society.

Lenny Bruce

The music composer for Manhattan, who is ultimately killed by police forces.

Mother

A supportive figure in David and Julie’s lives.

Father

A successful businessman who tries to push his children towards a more conventional path in life.

Important Events

– David and Julie meet and begin to work together.

– They start dating, but their relationship is strained by Julie’s rebellious nature.

– David wins a prestigious award, leading to increased recognition and pressure from his family and friends.

– Julie leaves town for a while in order to clear her head, only to come back pregnant with David’s child.

– The two eventually break up after arguing about how much of the child Julie should be able to see and care for.

– David’s writing career takes off, but the pressure of celebrity and success damages his relationships with friends and family.

– He is diagnosed with a terminal illness, leading him to reflect on his life and make peace with what he has left behind.

What Is the Message of the Movie?

The message of the movie is that chasing after worldly success can ultimately be a fruitless endeavor. David and Julie are torn between their own desires and those of society, and eventually lose themselves in the process.

The music composer for Manhattan, Lenny Bruce, is killed by police forces in an altercation, illustrating the dangers of pursuing notoriety or wealth at any cost. Overall, Manhattan urges audiences to appreciate life more fully while it’s still here.

How Was the Movie Made?

Manhattan was made with a budget of $14 million. The film was shot on location in New York City and used a combination of professional actors and local residents.

Visual Effects

Manhattan was released in 2009 to mixed reviews from critics. However, the film did well at the box office and has since become a cult classic. Some have argued that the movie’s dark humour and realistic portrayal of life in New York City make it a valuable watch.

The Ending of Manhattan Movie Explained

The final scene of Manhattan shows David’s body being loaded into an ambulance as the sound of Lenny Bruce’s music plays in the background. This reflects David’s death, which is ultimately at the hands of police forces.

Was the Ending Satisfying?

Yes, the ending is satisfying because it wraps up all of the plotlines and provides a sense of closure for the characters. The film provides a serious and realistic look at the difficulties of being on the bottom rung of American society as opposed to one’s parents who are upper middle class.

The climactic ending demonstrates that despite having money, resources, power over others, fame and privilege going for them they still will not be understood in their own terms because mainstream Americans do not see how artists live or work like normal people.

Conclusion

Manhattan is a gripping movie that will leave you feeling emotionally connected to the characters. The film’s message is one of overcoming adversity and shining light on those who society often overlooks.

FAQs

1.What Is “Manhattan” and Why Is It Called That?

Ans: Manhattan is the most famous borough of New York City and it is also known as the financial capital of the world.

The name “Manhattan” comes from the Lenape word Manna-hata, which means “island of many streams”. The island was first settled by the Dutch in 1624 and was named New Amsterdam. In 1626, the English took over and renamed it New York after the Duke of York (later King James II).

During the American Revolution, Manhattan was occupied by British troops for several years. In 1783, George Washington decided to move his army to Manhattan because he thought that it would be easier to defend. After winning the Battle of Yorktown in 1781, Washington returned to Manhattan and proclaimed victory on Wall Street.

2.Why Did the Movie Take Place in New York?

Ans: The movie was set in New York because it is a city that has a lot of potential and it can be easily adapted for the screen.

New York City is known for its skyscrapers, which can be used as sets for the movie. It also has a large population of people who are bilingual, which makes it easy to find actors who can speak both English and Spanish.

3.Is Manhattan Movie Based on a True Story?

Ans: There is no one answer to this question as it can depend on the individual’s interpretation. However, some people believe that the movie is loosely based on a true story.