by landa803 Sat Dec 19 2015

He was running through the crowds calling her name, and she was calling his whilst surrounded by photographers. Then he suddenly stopped and looked like he was just going to disappear into the crowd without meeting her, whilst she was still calling out to him. Why did he do that?

RESPONSES

by bistis6 Sun Jan 24 2016

He ultimately gives Dwan what she has always wanted: fame. It's far beyond anything he could ever offer her. This is set up most clearly in their scene at the deserted bar.

Dawn: How about that nice offer you made me? Do you still want me? Jack: (takes an expensive woman's coat that has been left behind) Look, chinchilla. Looks great on you. (this is said with some bitter irony, as Jack is an anti-establishment, anti-commercialism, environmentalist) Dwan: I asked you a question. Jack: You know what I earn? Dwan: Do you think I need furs? Jack: Yes. Excitement is in your blood, like dope. You're going to need new fixes I'm not able to give you. Dwan: Don't be stupid. (incidental action outside) Dwan: Do you remember that black-out? And all the babies born exactly nine months later? Well, here's to all the future sons and daughters of King Kong. Jack: I'll drink to that. Dwan: The hell with furs. Tell me, does that nice offer still stand? Jack: It depends on Kong. He's bigger than both of us, know what I mean? Dwan: Don't tease me, I'm serious.

When Jack leaves to make a phone call, a crying Dwan walks over to a mirror and admires herself wearing the coat. Dwan is then captured by Kong, who pulls her from the bar. Jack and Dwan never see one another again until Dwan, weeping over Kong's corpse, is rushed by a swarm of photographers. She hears Jack call to her from among the crowd, and she cries his name. He runs to her, but stops suddenly when he sees that Dwan is starting to play to the attention, and realizes that he can never compete with what she has been given...her innermost dream come true, albeit at the cost of Kong's life. She has sold her soul for fame, exploiting her own grief, and disillusioned, he disappears in the crowd.

Also consider this earlier exchange after Kong has been captured. Jack walks in immediately after Wilson has just outlined his plan for showcasing Kong:

Dwan: Do I look different? Jack: Yeah, you shine. Dwan: That's right. I'm a star!

And later in Dwan's dressing room, Wilson threatens Dwan after Jack refuses to participate in the gaudy extravaganza and asks Dwan to leave with him. When faced with the destruction of a career before it's even started, Dwan quickly backpedals.

Dwan: Don't leave me tonight, please. My horoscope says... Jack: Shut up. I love you. Come with me, right now. The hell with the contract. Wilson: (to Dwan) Go ahead. But I promise you, you'll never get another booking in your life. You'll end up tap-dancing at rotary clubs. Dwan: (looking at Jack) Don't you understand? Jack: Yeah...I do. Sorry. Stay well. (he leaves)

I must also add that I find Jessica Lange's performance in this movie to be criminally underrated. Especially in the last scene of the movie; the look of confusion and fear, and the body language as she is rushed by the crowd is simply heartbreaking.

by brtndr Sun Feb 28 2016

Wow, Bistis6 very well said. Pretty much nailed that one, didn't you.

by hecantune Thu Apr 14 2016

Great post.