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How Does The Big Blue End?

Published in Film Endings 2 mins read

The ending of Luc Besson's iconic film The Big Blue (1988) is notably different depending on the version watched, presenting two distinct conclusions to Jacques Mayol's journey.

The Original French and European Version Ending

In the original release for French and European audiences, the film concludes with a more poignant and ambiguous resolution for Jacques Mayol. After a deeply emotional and challenging period, Jacques descends into the ocean, seemingly seeking a final connection with the marine world. He reaches a profound depth, beyond the point of human survival. In this version, the film depicts Jacques swimming off with a dolphin, embracing his ultimate destiny within the vast blue, implying that he does not return to the surface. This ending emphasizes the themes of man's unbreakable bond with the ocean and the ultimate sacrifice for true freedom.

The American Version Ending

For the American market, a different, more optimistic ending was added. In this version, following Jacques's final deep dive, a dolphin intervenes. Instead of his implied passing, the dolphin takes Jacques to the surface. This revised conclusion offers a happier and less somber outcome, suggesting Jacques survives his deep-sea journey and potentially finds a way to reconcile his love for the ocean with his life above water. This alteration aimed to provide a more palatable resolution for American audiences.

Summary of Endings

Version Outcome for Jacques Mayol Implied Fate
French and European Swims off with a dolphin after reaching a non-survivable depth Does not return to the surface; merges with the ocean.
American A dolphin takes him to the surface Survives the dive; a more hopeful and less tragic conclusion.

These varied endings highlight the different cultural and commercial considerations that can influence a film's final cut, offering viewers two very distinct emotional experiences of Jacques's ultimate fate.