Remember Me, a 2010 drama starring Robert Pattinson, left audiences and critics divided with its shocking ending that ties directly into the events of September 11, 2001. The film, which aimed to establish Pattinson as a serious actor beyond his Twilight fame, concludes with a twist that many found controversial.
The ending reveals that Pattinson's character, Tyler Hawkins, dies in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, a plot development that wasn't hinted at throughout the film, making it a startling and impactful conclusion.
In the final moments of Remember Me, Tyler visits his father's office located on the 101st floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center. As Tyler looks out the window, the film subtly reveals the date - September 11, 2001.
This realization dawns on viewers as they connect the dots to the historical tragedy. Tyler's death is confirmed offscreen, and subsequent scenes show his grave next to his brother's, underscoring the film's message about the fragility and unpredictability of life.
How did Robert Pattinson's character die in Remember Me?
Tyler Hawkins is killed off tragically in this movie, but it happened unexpectedly. All along the story, Tyler had been trying to deal with his brother's suicide and their broken relationship caused by Charles (Pierce Brosnan). When Tyler goes to his father's office for reconciliation, everything changes, making him a victim in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Though not shown directly, his death is implied heavily by the setting and date written on the classroom blackboard - Tuesday, September 11, 2001. This revelation provides a touching end for Tyler's story, showing how sudden life tragedies can be.
What else happened in Remember Me?
Emilie de Ravin plays Ally in Remember Me. Both of them have experienced great losses in life; for instance, Tyler lost his brother to suicide, and Ally's mother was killed. They grow together through grief and healing. Even so, the movie is about the turbulent relationship between Tyler and his father, which develops into its main plot leading up to the climax.
The narrative reaches a point where Tyler confronts his father, accusing him of not being there for them following his brother's death. It all leads to a confrontation, as Tyler reconciles with his dad and decides it would be nice if he visited him at work that day.
Towards the end of Remember Me, there is a bittersweet resolution where various characters try to move on in their lives, having been affected by Tyler's death. Charles gets closer to Caroline, Taylor's sister, while Ally manages her pain and loss with memories of Tyler.
Thematic significance of the ending
Remember Me has an ending that helps fans understand how unpredictable love can be, linking it with death caused by the 9/11 incident. The film tries to show how suddenly lives may change or end. This story choice is supposed to evoke strong emotions among viewers, but some critics found it controversial because it exploits a national disaster as an element.
Remember Me ends with a lasting impact on viewers, making them think about their lives and relationships. It uses its finale as a means of having a profound effect on the audience and making them weigh their lives and relationships.