213 - *spoilers* The Endings

[matt]

The endings for Neverending Nightmares are open-ended and thought provoking. While I don't consider my take to be "official", I figured I would give a few hints about what they mean to me.

[evilkinggumby]

I don't think there is anything wrong with offering your perspective about the three endings. I did a painting titled "Childhood" in college that went into a student juried show and whereas I did have a vague interpretation of how it all fit together and what it meant, it was so laden with iconography, symbolism and ideas that it was VERY open to interpretation, and I told folk that " this is what it means to me, its creator, but it is designed to mean a number of different things to different people". Making something that can be viewed and thus touch its viewer in vastly different ways is no small feat. If you end up seeing gamers play through and offer up a multitude of interpreted plots and messages, that's a huge kudos to you and your efforts.

That being said I don't feel like I have any real better idea of your interpretation of the three endings after having seen this video aside from you sating one is the most straightforward, one is the most open ended and one is .. umm.. dang I guess I missed the middle one lol... Most of this video was you defending why you want to make the video, talking about production and the name, and then the rest is the endings. lol. As much as I poke at you with the critical stick, I actually don't think you should feel a need to explain why it is ok for you to offer your insight and interpretation. It is a valid one, and just as valid as anyone elses.

[matt]

I did rewatch this video this morning, and I did notice that I didn't really offer that much insight - certainly not 11 minutes worth. However, my idea was to give people direction who are completely lost and don't know what to make of it at all. I thought the hints would help, but perhaps it wasn't enough... Oh well!

[ranger_lennier]

I never thought of the Wayward Dreamer ending as the nightmare never ending. It seemed to me like the happy ending. After having one horrible nightmare after another, Thomas wakes up and nothing is wrong. The world appears normal, and he sees Gabby sleeping soundly. Relieved, he gives her a kiss, but doesn't wake her up.

[matt]

Joe thought it was the happy ending as well. Since it's open ended, there isn't a right answer, but I thought that the boy has issues if that's what he dreams about...

[ranger_lennier]

Or at least the happier ending. But really, I suspect most people have some pretty messed up dreams every now and then. There's a whole forum section dedicated to them, after all.

[matt]

You are right. It is definitely happier than the other two! haha