The End (1978) directed by and starring Burt Reynolds is a brilliant black comedy with few equals. It is one of the best movies in Reynolds' long career and displays in full view the considerable talent this artist has as both a comedian and director.
Wendell Sonny Lawson (Reynolds) has been told by his doctor (Norman Fell) that he has only a few months to live; he has been diagnosed with a rare blood disorder and can expect a long, lingering and suffering death. Not wanting to die in that painful manner he decides that he is going to kill himself, but first he decides to visit the people that he loves including his girlfriend Mary Ellen (Sally Field), ex-wife (Joanne Woodward), his parents (Myrna Loy and Pat O'Brien) and daughter Julie (Kristy McNichol). While visiting his parents he also had the foresight to borrow some sleeping pills to help him in his desire for a quiet, peaceful death. At home that night he makes an attempt to kill himself with the sleeping pills only to wake up the next day in a mental institution. There he meets Marlon Borunki (Dom DeLuise), a schizophrenic killer with a Polish complex, they become fast friends. Marlon decides that he is going to help his new friend in his wish to die. Unfortunately Marlon isn't very good at assisting suicide so when Sonny sees his chance to escape the institution he takes it (with Marlon close behind). Out on the streets Sonny visits his girlfriend again to retrieve a pistol but then decides to go to the beach instead leaving his gun behind in his stolen truck. He swims out into the sea until he can go no further and is ready to die. But at the verge of death he suddenly has an epiphany realizing that he really does want to live. Somehow he makes his way back to the shore and is happy in the knowledge that he is alive to enjoy another day; he will cherish life as long as he can. But Sonny has seemed to forgotten his good friend Marlon who has finally caught up with him and is bound and determined to make his new friend's wishes come true!
This is one of Burt Reynolds' finest films; he took a big chance here and won. With this material and subject matter it would have been very easy for this movie to have been very unfunny indeed. But with Reynolds' inspired direction and working with a smart script by screenwriter Jerry Belson this comedy about a man with a terminal illness actually works. Reynolds is able to maintain a careful balance here between the tragedy and comedy; a delicate high wire act that he brilliantly pulls off. Most of the credit for the wonderful film must go to him; he not only directed this film but also had the good sense to surround himself with a considerable amount of talent in his supporting players and even minor parts. With stars like the ones listed above but also including such other talents like Strother Martin, David Steinberg, Robby Benson, Carl Reiner, James Best and Queenie Smith he only made his job easier while at the same time making the film stronger. DeLuise is inspired as his lunatic friend who is only trying to help his new friend's dreams come true. Reynolds lets him run unrestrained throughout the film, which is the only way this part could have worked. Kristy McNichol has a small but important part as his daughter and ultimately his reason for living, her work here with Reynolds is the most touching in the entire movie and shows what this talented young actress was capable of, in this her first theatrical film role. Musical genius Paul Williams' theme song is simple yet at the same time memorable and effective, and this would have to be the best use of a Frank Sinatra's My Way ever. Beyond any doubt at all a must see movie!
Buying note: This film is available on full screen VHS tape as well as a budget priced wide screen DVD that has very few special features.
5-16-2006
