In 1985, the film “Clue” made cinematic history by being released in theaters with three possible endings. Each theater was randomly given the film with either ending A, B, or C, and viewers were left guessing which ending they would see. “Clue” was the first film to experiment with multiple endings, a concept that has been used in various forms since then.
Key Takeaways:
- “Clue” was the first film to be released in theaters with three possible endings.
- The concept of multiple endings has been used in various forms in other films.
- “Clue” gained a cult following on home video despite not performing well at the box office.
The Innovative Concept of Multiple Endings
The decision to release “Clue” with three possible endings was a bold and innovative move in the world of cinema. It challenged the traditional linear narrative structure and offered a unique viewing experience for audiences. The concept of having multiple endings in a single film was not new, but it was rarely explored in mainstream cinema releases.
Films with alternate endings or movies with more than one ending were usually released as part of one movie or played at the same time in theaters, like in the case of “Run Lola Run,” “Sliding Doors,” “Wayne’s World,” and “Unfriended: The Dark Web.” But “Clue” took the idea one step further by releasing the film with different endings sequenced randomly. Each theater received the film with ending A, B, or C, and viewers had the chance to see all three endings on DVD.
This innovative concept added an element of unpredictability to the viewing experience and engaged the audience in a new way. It also sparked debates and discussions among viewers, who tried to piece together the clues to figure out the true ending. The multiple endings created a sense of interactivity that was uncommon in cinema at the time.
The Impact on Storytelling
The use of multiple endings in “Clue” also had a significant impact on storytelling. It allowed for a more complex and layered narrative, where each possible outcome revealed different aspects of the story and characters. The film used this approach to its advantage by presenting different scenarios with its ensemble cast, each leading to a different conclusion.
The use of multiple endings also challenged the concept of a “happy ending” and provided a more realistic depiction of life. It mirrored the idea that life is unpredictable and outcomes are not always clear-cut. The use of multiple endings allowed the film to be more reflective of reality and less formulaic.
Overall, the innovative concept of multiple endings in “Clue” paved the way for other filmmakers to explore non-linear storytelling and engage audiences in a new way. It challenged the traditional narrative structure and added an element of unpredictability to the viewing experience.
The Unique Viewing Experience
Each theater showing “Clue” received the film with one of the three endings: A, B, or C, providing audiences with a unique and unpredictable experience. Viewers could return to see the film multiple times to see each of the different endings and try to solve the mystery themselves.
The concept of multiple endings in “Clue” was innovative for its time, and it allowed the audience to engage with the film on a deeper level. Instead of passively watching the story unfold, viewers became active participants, trying to piece together different clues to uncover the truth.
The different endings also created a sense of anticipation and suspense, as viewers never knew which version they would get to see. This kept the audience engaged and on the edge of their seats until the very end of the film.
Movies with multiple outcomes or alternative conclusions like “Clue” offer a unique viewing experience that can challenge the traditional storytelling format. By providing viewers with different versions of the same story, filmmakers can offer a more interactive and engaging experience that allows the audience to connect with the film in a way that traditional movies do not.
Box Office Performance and Cult Following
While the multiple endings in “Clue” didn’t lead to significant success at the box office, the film found a dedicated fan base through home video releases. The film only earned $14.6 million worldwide, which was not enough to recoup its budget. Critics were divided on the movie, with some enjoying the clever dialogue and performances and others finding it gimmicky and lacking in substance. However, “Clue” found a new life on home video, where viewers could see all three endings and appreciate the unique storytelling approach.
The film’s cult following inspired numerous adaptations, including a popular board game and a recent stage play. Fans of the movie continue to debate which of the three endings is the “real” one, adding to the legacy of the film’s creative choice.
“Clue” paved the way for other films with multiple endings to be created. Other films like “Run Lola Run,” “Sliding Doors,” “Wayne’s World,” and “Unfriended: The Dark Web” have since followed suit, releasing versions with alternative conclusions or showing different endings in different theaters. While the box office performance of these films varies, the concept of giving viewers multiple options for how a story ends remains a unique and intriguing way to approach cinematic storytelling.
Other Films With Multiple Endings
“Clue” was not the only film to experiment with multiple endings as several other movies have explored this narrative technique in different ways.
“Run Lola Run” is a German film from 1998 that follows the story of Lola, who has twenty minutes to gather 100,000 Deutsche Mark to save her boyfriend’s life. The film uses a “butterfly effect” style of storytelling, showing three different versions of the same twenty-minute period, each with a different ending.
“Sliding Doors,” a British romantic comedy from 1998, features two parallel storylines that diverge based on whether or not the protagonist, Helen, catches a particular train. The two alternate versions of events ultimately lead to different endings and outcomes for the characters.
In “Wayne’s World,” a comedy film released in 1992, the characters break the fourth wall to address the audience and warn them that there will be two different endings. The first ending is deemed too depressing by the protagonist, Wayne, who decides to rewrite the script and create a happy ending instead.
“Unfriended: The Dark Web,” a horror film from 2018, uses the concept of multiple endings in an innovative way. The film follows a group of friends who find a stolen laptop, unaware that its owner is watching their every move and will stop at nothing to get it back. The film has 11 possible endings, which are randomly selected and distributed to different theaters, making the viewing experience unpredictable for the audience.
Conclusion
Films with multiple endings continue to captivate audiences, offering them a fresh and immersive cinematic experience. “Clue” was a pioneer in this field, releasing in theaters with three possible outcomes. Although the film did not perform well at the box office, it gained a cult following on home video and marked the beginning of a new trend in cinema.
Other films like “Run Lola Run,” “Sliding Doors,” “Wayne’s World,” and “Unfriended: The Dark Web” also played with the concept of alternate endings, but they were released as part of one movie or played at the same time in theaters. Each of these films had a unique approach to storytelling, showcasing the versatility and creativity that multiple endings can offer.
Whether it’s watching a film with friends and debating which ending is the “real” one or experiencing a different conclusion on repeat viewings, cinema releases with multiple endings provide endless possibilities for the viewer. As a professional copywriting journalist, I’m excited to see what new films will come out in the future using this innovative concept.
FAQ
Q: Which film was released in theaters with three possible endings?
A: The film “Clue” was released in theaters with three possible endings in 1985.
Q: What other films have had multiple endings?
A: Other films like “Run Lola Run,” “Sliding Doors,” “Wayne’s World,” and “Unfriended: The Dark Web” have also had multiple endings.
Q: How were the endings of “Clue” distributed to theaters?
A: Each theater received the film with ending A, B, or C.
Q: Were viewers able to see all three endings?
A: Yes, viewers had the chance to see all three endings on DVD.
Q: Did the multiple endings gimmick perform well at the box office?
A: No, the gimmick did not perform well at the box office.
Q: Did “Clue” gain a following despite its box office performance?
A: Yes, “Clue” gained a cult following on home video.
Q: How were the other films with multiple endings released?
A: Other films like “Run Lola Run,” “Sliding Doors,” “Wayne’s World,” and “Unfriended: The Dark Web” were either released as part of one movie or played at the same time in theaters.