-Six Feet Under
As I near closer to the end of my story, I can't help but feel the pressure. You know, THAT one. Tying it all together. Trying to leave the reader with a sense of happiness. I mean, they spent all that time with your words, don't you want them to be more than just a little bit glad that they've done as much? Out of everything in a story, the ending is what's carried with the reader or audience after all is said and done. At least that's how it is for me.
Whenever I feel pressured, I look to the masters. Artists who've ended their projects with style and aplomb to spare. What follows are examples of some of my favorite endings in various mediums (spoilers beware):
*The "Six Feet Under" Series Finale -- TV series can't be an easy thing to end, given the immense history and fan base they build, but this show did it right. Sweeping and elegant, the viewers can't help but feel a sense of elation and wonderment, which is miraculous considering it is a show about death.
*The Graveyard Book, by Neil Gaiman -- "Graceful" is a word that comes to mind when reading the final chapter of this celebrated novel. I'm a huge fan of this author already, but still I was floored at how well-written the ending to this story was. He really is a talent to be treasured.
*"The Shield" Series Finale -- I really didn't think the creators of the show would be able to pull it off. Each year, audiences clamored and gossiped (at least me and the people I watched it with did) with theories on what type of fate was in store for should-we-root-for-him-or-not badass Vic Mackey. Well, the creators were successful in crafting an appropriate ending. And trust me, you'll never in a million years predict what actually happens to Vic.
*"Space-Time For Springers" by Fritz Leiber -- One of my favorite short stories of all time. Google it sometime if you've never read it, it's marvelous. The sacrifice at the end is so poignant it's palpable.
* The "Cowboy Bebop" Series Finale -- If you haven't watched the entirety of this series, shame on you. Yes, it's an anime. Don't judge. Just watch it. The ending (and ending song) are brilliant.
And finally... my favorite ending:
*Survive Style 5+ -- Best. Ending. Ever. Best use of a Cake song too, I might add. Yes, it's a weird ending, but then again the entire movie is strange. It's also absolutely perfect. If you can watch it without smiling, I will be amazed. The fact that it hasn't been released on R1 DVD or blue ray is a crime. Also more pressing... when are director Gen Sekiguchi and screenwriter Taku Tada going to collaborate on another film?
hmm it's true, the ending really does make/break a series sometimes... some of my manga series were my favorites until the last book... no pressure though! XD
ReplyDeleteboo i haven't seen any of your faves there. except for cowboy bebop but i want to watch the whole thing. and i reaaaaally want to see survive style 5+!!
A part of me has to disagree with how much importance you're putting on the ending.
ReplyDeleteWhile yes, an ending can add or take away from the overall experience, it's the fact that this sentence is set up this way -- It (the ending) effects the Overall Experience (the journey). IF the journey is memorable enough, the ending is just a cap.
And that's the thing. I bet you already have an idea of how you want to end it, because that's how it's supposed to end. "You'll have to face it, the endings are the same however you slice it." - Atwood
Take a read through of this and see if it helps in any way:
http://users.ipfw.edu/ruflethe/endings.htm
I might have been unclear, but what I'm trying to say is while though an ending can effect the journey, most if not all of the time it should be the other way around.
ReplyDeleteHuzzah!