Disappointing ending? As Above, So Below? Oh I’m sorry but…
spoiler
ending with the world turned upside-down and yet the same as before is entirely consistent with the alchemical, Enlightenment, philosophical, and psychological recognition of opposites, of turning things around, of viewing difficult (e.g. your worldview) and seemingly easy (e.g. memories) subjects from another perspective. Remember where some of the journeyers were interested in the room of gold, and others in the wall of symbols? That’s the metaphor for the ending.
Looked at this way, the ending is thrillingly deep. Seriously, once Dick Gregory’s observation* is understood, this movie encourages an irreplaceable insight. It’s a trip though, you’re right about that, from “riding high,” as you say, to the darkest of depths, which is all-too-easily missed. Good flick, give it another go; the movie is the ride, the ending is the worthy destination.
- “Before you argue with someone ask yourself: Is this person mentally mature enough to grasp the concept of different perspective? If not, there is no point to argue.” — Dick Gregory
