Suicide note

The concept of a 'suicide note', though often associated with tragic ends, has found itself woven into the fabric of many cinematic narratives. These notes, whether real or imagined, serve as pivotal points in stories where characters confront their own mortality and leave behind messages that are intended to offer closure, explanation, or even provocation.

In "The Snorkel," Paul Decker's sinister plan to use the eponymous device for his alleged murder-by-asphyxiation creates an eerie prelude to a twisted suicide note in disguise. His wife and stepdaughter are left grappling with the enigma of his death, questioning if it was really a suicide or something far more sinister. This film expertly plays with our assumptions about what constitutes a 'suicide note', revealing how complex and ambiguous such messages can be.

Contrast this with "The Great Madcap," where Alfredo's perceived financial ruin becomes the catalyst for his family to stage an elaborate deception. Their 'suicide note' is essentially a scheme designed to force him into realizing the consequences of his lavish lifestyle - a risky gambit that explores themes of familial duty and moral dilemmas when confronting loved ones about their actions.

"The Criminal Life of Archibaldo de la Cruz," meanwhile, presents us with an antihero who dreams up a series of elaborate 'suicide notes' in the form of murders. His macabre ambition is portrayed as both terrifying and darkly amusing, raising questions about what drives individuals to commit heinous acts in pursuit of infamy or recognition.

"Meet John Doe," on the other hand, provides a stark commentary on societal issues through a fictional suicide letter turned political movement. This film, set during the Great Depression, explores how desperate times can lead to drastic actions and reveals the power of words when they resonate with those who feel disenfranchised or forgotten by society.

In "Bates Motel," we see a character grappling with his own troubled past while trying to rebuild his life through an inherited business. The Bates Motel, deeply entrenched in the dark legacy of Norman Bates and his infamous 'suicide note', serves as both a symbolic reminder of past horrors and a potential pathway towards redemption.

Finally, "Escaflowne: The Movie" transports us to a mythical land where an ordinary girl unwittingly becomes entwined in a grand adventure filled with ancient battles and mystical creatures. Throughout her journey, Hitomi Kanzaki leaves behind fragments of herself that could be seen as 'suicide notes', small pieces of her former life she must abandon to embrace her new role.

These films demonstrate how the concept of a suicide note can take on many forms - from literal written messages left behind by individuals considering ending their lives, to metaphorical goodbyes and declarations of intent. They invite us to explore our own fears and desires, pushing us to consider what we might leave behind when our time comes. Whether portrayed as tragic warnings or bold statements of rebellion, these 'suicide notes' remind us that life is fleeting, and the words we choose, whether written or spoken, carry immense weight.