That Final Credit
Have you ever noticed that final credit at the very end of a movie? It usually reads something like, “This motion picture is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.” You’ve likely seen this disclaimer countless times, but have you ever wondered about its implications?
A Thought-Provoking Disclaimer
Reading this disclaimer got me thinking: Is it really necessary? For example, does this mean that the iconic horror film “Friday the 13th” didn’t really happen? Was Jason never truly a victim at Crystal Lake while the counselors were indulging in sexual fun? And what about “Avengers: Age of Ultron”? The idea that these fictional events are somehow linked to reality seemed like a stretch, almost putting me into an existential crisis.
Typical Disclaimer
“This motion picture is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.”
Impact on Viewer
This can spark thoughts about the nature of fiction and reality.
A New Approach to Movie Credits
If I ever make another movie—perhaps a sequel like “Buttcrack 2” or something—I’d include a revised disclaimer. Instead of the usual verbiage, I’d write something along the lines of:
“The events depicted in this film are entirely fictional. Any resemblance to real people, living or dead, is purely coincidental, except for the character with the gap-toothed crack whore with the bald spots, blotchy complexion, and severe acne. She was inspired by my third-grade English teacher, Mrs. Shank from Arcola Elementary School.”
