What Happened at the End of Paris Blues?

By Robert Palmer

Paris Blues is a 1961 American film that explores the lives of two expatriate jazz musicians in Paris, played by Paul Newman and Sidney Poitier. The movie ends with a poignant scene that leaves many viewers wondering about the fate of the characters. In this article, we will explore what happened at the end of Paris Blues.

The Final Scene

The final scene of Paris Blues takes place on a bridge over the Seine River. Ram Bowen (played by Sidney Poitier) and Lillian Corning (played by Joanne Woodward) are standing on one side of the bridge while Eddie Cook (played by Paul Newman) is on the other side. The two couples have just had a conversation about their future plans, and it becomes clear that Eddie and Ram are going to stay in Paris while Lillian is returning to America.

The Ambiguity

The ambiguity of the ending lies in what happens next. As Lillian walks away, Eddie starts playing his trumpet, and Ram joins in with his tenor saxophone. The music plays as Lillian walks further away from them until she disappears from view.

Some viewers interpret this ending as a metaphor for lost love or missed opportunities. The fact that Lillian walks away from the musicians while they play their music suggests that she is leaving behind a part of her life that she can never reclaim.

The Interpretation

Another interpretation is that the music represents hope for a better future. Eddie and Ram have found happiness in Paris through their music, but they still face challenges as African Americans living abroad during a time when civil rights were not guaranteed even in America.

By playing their music together, they express their solidarity and determination to overcome these obstacles. In this interpretation, Lillian’s departure symbolizes an end to one chapter of their lives but also marks the beginning of another.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the end of Paris Blues is deliberately ambiguous, leaving viewers to interpret the scene in their own way. The music played by Eddie and Ram can be seen as a metaphor for lost love or hope for the future. Regardless of how one interprets the ending, it is clear that the film portrays the lives of expatriate African American jazz musicians in a nuanced and complex way.