Ending+Scene1


 * __[[image:imagesr.jpg width="159" height="131" align="right"]]ENDING SCENE__**

In the ending scene of "Finding Forrester" Jamal is shown in his senior year at Maylor. He is succeeding both at basketball and in his writing and has numerous offers of scholarships as prestigious universities.

Jamal recieves some terrible news that Forrester has passed away. It is only at this point in the film that we learn Forrester had cancer and had known about it long before meeting Jamal.

In his will Forrester left Jamal his apartment in the Bronx and also a copy of the manuscript of his new book, aptly named "Sunsets". He left the foreword to be written by Jamal.

The scene ends with Jamal reading a letter from Forrester in which he thanks Jamal for his frienship and how he has helped him achieve his own dreams. He tells Jamal that he would have waited too long to see his family and write another book if it had not been for him. Jamal is upset but is comforted by one of his friends. They play some basketball to help cheer him up. The camera then shows an image of light streaming in through Forrester's apartment window. The last image is looking through the window to the sight of Jamal and his friends playing basketball below. This gives the impression that Forrester is still watching over Jamal. At this point you also hear "Somewhere over the rainbow" playing in the background. This particular image is also one of the first images from the opening scene and gives the impression that events have come full circle, however much has been learnt along the way. Jamal has changed and grown through his friendship with Forrester and is well on his way to acheiving his dreams.


 * __Techniques used to show this scene:__**
 * Voiceover
 * Extreme close-up
 * Non-diegetic music

A voiceover is used when Jamal is reading Forrester's letter. In the letter Forrester is thanking Jamal for his friendship. He also tells him that if he had not met Jamal he would have died in his apartment - alone and without fulfilling his dreams. He goes on to tell Jamal how talented he thinks he is and that he can achieve any goal he sets himself.
 * __Voiceover__**
 * "I would have waited too long had it not been for you"
 * "I have achieved my dreams and I have no doubt you will achieve yours"

An extreme close-up is used on the manuscript of "Sunsets". Jamal has put in on the table in Forrester's apartment, the dusty window implies that Forrester has been gone a long time. The camera zooms in on the manuscript and focuses on these words:
 * __Extreme Close-up__**
 * "Sunsets. Foreword to be written by Jamal Wallace"

This shows just how much Forrester thinks of Jamal's ability as a writer and the trust he has in him as a friend. This act contrasts with his previous treatment of authors who attempted to write about him. Professor Crawford was one of these authors and whose career as a writer Forrester quashed completely!

At the end of this scene "Somewhere over the Rainbow" begins to play. The instrumental version has also been used previously in the film. It is particularly relevant in this scene as you hear the lyrics which say:
 * __Non-diegetic music__**
 * "Dreams really do come true"

This is particularly relevant both to Forrester and Jamal who through their friendship have each achieved their dreams. Jamal the hope of becoming a writer and getting out of the Bronx, and Forrester the hope of being able to live a full life, to see his family and trust again. It also gives the impression that 'somewhere' Forrester will always be looking out for Jamal.

This scene is an extremely important moment in the film. Firstly it highlights just how much Forrester's character has changed. Secondly it portrays the main themes of the film which are the importance of friendship and fighting to achieve your dreams. These are shown through Forrester's obvious display of pride and affection for Jamal and by the fact that through their relationship with each other both have achieved things they had not thought possible. Jamal has fought prejudice and discrimination to proove that he can and will succeed despite the challeges placed in his path.
 * __Why is this scene important?__**