“The Hours” is a thought-provoking film that explores the lives of three women from different time periods, all connected by Virginia Woolf’s novel “Mrs. Dalloway.” Directed by Stephen Daldry and released in 2002, the movie delves into themes of identity, mental health, and the pursuit of happiness. However, the ending of “The Hours” leaves many viewers puzzled and seeking clarification. In this article, we will attempt to unravel the mysteries surrounding the conclusion of this captivating film.
The movie follows three women: Virginia Woolf (played by Nicole Kidman), Laura Brown (played by Julianne Moore), and Clarissa Vaughan (played by Meryl Streep). Each woman is grappling with her own personal struggles, but their stories are intricately intertwined.
Virginia Woolf, a renowned writer in the early 20th century, battles with her mental health as she attempts to write her novel “Mrs. Dalloway.” Her story is set in motion when she decides to take her own life by drowning herself in a river. However, before she can carry out her plan, she is interrupted by a knock on her door. This interruption symbolizes the possibility of hope and connection.
Laura Brown is a housewife living in Los Angeles during the 1950s. She feels trapped in her mundane life and contemplates suicide as well. However, after reading “Mrs. Dalloway,” she realizes that there is more to life than what meets the eye. Laura decides not to end her life and instead chooses to leave her family behind for a fresh start.
Clarissa Vaughan is a modern-day version of Mrs. Dalloway herself. She is throwing a party for her ex-lover Richard (played by Ed Harris), who is dying from AIDS-related complications. Throughout the film, Clarissa grapples with her identity and purpose in life while caring for Richard. The party serves as a catalyst for her self-discovery.
The ending of “The Hours” brings these three women together in a poignant and symbolic way. As the film nears its conclusion, we witness Laura Brown, now an elderly woman, reading “Mrs. Dalloway” in a nursing home. She is visited by her estranged daughter, who has come to reconcile with her mother before it’s too late. This reunion signifies forgiveness and the healing power of love.
Meanwhile, Clarissa Vaughan is seen walking through New York City after Richard’s death. She encounters a young man who mistakenly believes she is Mrs. Dalloway herself. Clarissa embraces this identity and realizes that she has found her purpose in life – to bring joy and happiness to those around her.
Finally, we return to Virginia Woolf, who has decided not to end her life after the unexpected interruption at her door. She finishes writing “Mrs. Dalloway” and leaves it on her desk before going for a walk. The film ends with Virginia walking into the river, embracing the freedom she sought throughout the movie.
The ending of “The Hours” is open to interpretation, but it ultimately conveys a message of hope and resilience. Each woman finds her own path towards self-discovery and liberation from their inner demons. The film suggests that life is a constant struggle, but it also holds moments of beauty and connection that make it worth living.
In conclusion, “The Hours” is a complex and emotionally charged film that explores the lives of three women connected by Virginia Woolf’s novel “Mrs. Dalloway.” The ending may leave some viewers puzzled, but it ultimately conveys themes of hope, identity, and the pursuit of happiness. By unraveling the mysteries surrounding the conclusion of this captivating movie, we can appreciate its profound message about the human experience.
