Phantasm and the movies of David Lynch are the only works who can get away with the "it was all a dream" twist because in those works, dreams are every bit as "real" as reality.
It's been a while since I last saw it but Pans Labrynth has an interesting twist, in that all the fantasy elements are in fact real. I always took it differently, and believed that the fantasy world was her self-constructed escape from the horror of reality, and the "happy" ending was her death. I believe Del Toro himself confirmed the former, but it's presented in such a way that it allows the viewer to apply their own interpretation.
Great article! Personally I love a twist but they seem to be out of fashion in short stories, particularly the more literary variety. Stories featured in the New Yorker recently often barely have an ending let alone a twist.
Hi Fran! Yeah, I think because twist endings are very plotty, they don't often feature in literary shorts, which are more about exploring theme/moments in character. Going back to writers like O Henry, the plot was almost the only reason for the story, like the writer is a stage magician pulling off a trick for the amusement of their audience. Two extremes, though, right? There's always a middle ground.
Phantasm and the movies of David Lynch are the only works who can get away with the "it was all a dream" twist because in those works, dreams are every bit as "real" as reality.
Phantasm!! Not seem that in a while. :D I guess these movies don't really operate as conventional narratives, right? So twists don't really apply.
It's been a while since I last saw it but Pans Labrynth has an interesting twist, in that all the fantasy elements are in fact real. I always took it differently, and believed that the fantasy world was her self-constructed escape from the horror of reality, and the "happy" ending was her death. I believe Del Toro himself confirmed the former, but it's presented in such a way that it allows the viewer to apply their own interpretation.
Not seen that one in a while, either. But absolutely one of the greatest fantasy films ever made!
Great article! Personally I love a twist but they seem to be out of fashion in short stories, particularly the more literary variety. Stories featured in the New Yorker recently often barely have an ending let alone a twist.
Hi Fran! Yeah, I think because twist endings are very plotty, they don't often feature in literary shorts, which are more about exploring theme/moments in character. Going back to writers like O Henry, the plot was almost the only reason for the story, like the writer is a stage magician pulling off a trick for the amusement of their audience. Two extremes, though, right? There's always a middle ground.
Oh, and thanks so much for reading, Fran! Glad you got something out of it. :D
Enjoyed it. Looking forward to reading more 😊