Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom Ending Explained

Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom is a controversial film directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini. Released in 1975, it is known for its explicit and disturbing content that pushes the boundaries of what is acceptable in cinema. The film tells the story of four fascist libertines who kidnap eighteen teenagers and subject them to various forms of sexual and physical abuse.

The ending of Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom is as shocking and disturbing as the rest of the film. It leaves viewers with a sense of unease and disgust, forcing them to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature and power dynamics.

In the final scenes, the libertines decide to stage a grand spectacle for their own amusement. They force their captives to participate in a series of degrading acts, including eating feces and engaging in sexual acts. The captives are treated as mere objects, stripped of their humanity and dignity.

As the spectacle reaches its climax, one of the captives manages to escape. However, instead of finding freedom, he is shot dead by one of the libertines. This act symbolizes the complete control and dominance that the libertines have over their victims. It also highlights the futility of resistance against such overwhelming power.

The film ends with a chilling scene where one of the libertines addresses the camera directly. He states that what we have witnessed throughout the film is merely an allegory for how power operates in society. He argues that those in positions of power will always exploit and abuse those beneath them.

This ending can be interpreted in several ways. Some view it as a critique of fascism and totalitarianism, highlighting how these ideologies lead to dehumanization and cruelty. Others see it as a broader commentary on power dynamics in general, suggesting that those with power will always seek to exert control over others.

Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom is a challenging and thought-provoking film that pushes the boundaries of what is acceptable in cinema. Its ending leaves viewers with a sense of discomfort and forces them to confront uncomfortable truths about power and human nature. While it may not be a film for everyone, it undoubtedly leaves a lasting impression on those who dare to watch it.