Starring Hollywood icons Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, Roman Holiday remains a timeless romantic comedy that resonates with contemporary audiences, particularly due to its impactful conclusion. Set against the enchanting backdrop of Rome, Italy, the narrative follows Princess Ann as she embarks on a royal tour. Overwhelmed by the constraints of her royal duties, she experiences a mental breakdown and escapes into the city. During her adventure, she encounters American journalist Joe Bradley, who initially mistakes her for an inebriated stranger and brings her to his home to rest. Although Ann keeps her royal identity hidden, Joe eventually uncovers her true self and secretly plans to write an exclusive article about her.
Celebrated by critics and audiences alike, this 1953 classic garnered numerous accolades, including ten Academy Award nominations and three wins: Best Actress for Hepburn, Best Story, and Best Costume Design. Moreover, it holds a prestigious spot in the U.S. National Film Registry and ranks fourth in the AFI’s 10 Top 10 list for romantic comedies. As a hallmark of cinematic history, Roman Holiday surpasses expectations and boasts one of the most unforgettable endings in the realm of Hollywood romance.
The Ending of Roman Holiday: A Bittersweet Conclusion
Ann and Joe Part Ways
Despite its romantic classification, the conclusion of Roman Holiday is a poignant one: Joe and Ann do not end up together. This bittersweet reality was likely surprising for many audiences at the time. Following her escapades, Princess Ann returns to the embassy and prepares for a press conference. Spotting Joe among the journalists catches her off guard, yet she maintains her composure and expresses genuine happiness to see him, even recognizing his background as a journalist.
During the press conference, Ann is asked about her favorite destination throughout the tour. After a moment of reflection, she declares, “Rome. By all means, Rome,” with a wistful smile. The camera captures Joe’s reaction, highlighting a shared moment of connection. As Ann interacts with the press, she acknowledges each journalist, including Joe, while his photographer, Irving, presents her with the clandestine photographs taken during their day together.
After the conference concludes, Joe remains, watching Ann depart with her entourage. When she re-enters the room, Ann beams at the gathering, momentarily locking eyes with Joe. Their smiles reflect the bond formed during their brief time together. Ultimately, she exits, and Joe lingers, contemplating the moment before walking away, leaving the audience to ponder the significance of their connection.
Unresolved Questions from Roman Holiday
Why Didn’t Joe Pursue Ann After the Conference?
Even with a fulfilling story, Roman Holiday leaves audiences with lingering inquiries. The film relies heavily on the expressions of Peck and Hepburn to convey complex emotions during the impactful closing scene. Despite learning that Joe was a reporter all along, Ann continues to smile for the audience. Is she genuinely happy, or merely acting for the public eye? Given Joe’s deception regarding his motivations, wouldn’t her anger be justified?
While a sense of betrayal could inspire anger toward Joe, the evidence suggests that Ann derives joy from his presence at the conference. In that moment, it seems she has moved past the deception, perhaps allowing herself to feel happiness despite the circumstances.
Another puzzling question arises: why didn’t Joe seek out Ann after the press conference? He had opportunities to apologize or explain his actions, yet he chooses to remain silent. The intentional ambiguity of the ending leaves room for speculation that perhaps they reunited later in private, or maybe Ann considered freeing herself from her royal obligations to embrace a future with Joe. The uncertainty invites various interpretations.
Transforming the Romantic Comedy Genre
A Shift Towards Female Empowerment and Realism
Before the release of Roman Holiday, romantic comedies of the 1940s and 1950s typically followed a formulaic structure: boy meets girl, they fall in love, and the story concludes with a happy ending. While these films provide entertainment, they often lack depth in character development, particularly for female leads.
Breaking away from this tradition, Roman Holiday shifts the narrative focus onto Hepburn’s character, Princess Ann, who grapples with the weight of her royal responsibilities. This portrayal allows her to step away from the spotlight, revealing her spontaneous and relatable nature, which resonates with the audience and captivates Joe.
Additionally, this film challenges the common trope of couples concluding their stories with marriage or permanent unions. Instead, Joe and Ann part ways, reflecting a more nuanced view of relationships. This trend has since inspired many contemporary rom-coms, including the celebrated musical La La Land and the 1967 classic The Graduate, both of which present uncertain futures for their characters.
Exploring the Deeper Meaning of Roman Holiday
Finding Joy in Temporary Romance
The iconic final moments of Roman Holiday invite reflection on the nature of love and fulfillment. Initially motivated by a desire for a story, Joe’s character transforms through his experiences with Ann, moving from a self-serving journalist to someone who genuinely cares for her well-being.
For Ann, her escape from royal scrutiny allows her to explore her authentic self, albeit temporarily. She understands that her time outside of her royal role is fleeting, yet she cherishes the opportunity to experience freedom and joy.
Ultimately, Roman Holiday conveys the message that true happiness doesn’t always come in the form of a fairy-tale ending. While Joe and Ann’s love story may not conclude with traditional ties, it underscores the valuable impact relationships can have on personal growth and fulfillment. Their journey together serves as a poignant reminder that love can enrich our lives, even if it doesn’t lead to everlasting union.
It’s essential to acknowledge the contrasting worlds of the protagonists—Ann, a royal with monumental responsibilities, and Joe, a common journalist. Despite their love, societal and practical barriers render their relationship impractical. Nevertheless, both characters emerge with a newfound perspective, having shared an extraordinary and unforgettable connection.
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