analysis of papillon https://twitter.com/dreaminoflarrie/status/1319751798542921728

harry's butterfly tattoo is inspired by an old french prison tattoo from this book/movie. the two men henri and louis try to escape prison.

several of harry's tattoos are french themed

at this scene in the movie henri has just reunited with louis on a penal island (jail) and looks out over the cliffs into the sea.

louis has given up hope of ever escaping the island. henri discovers that the waves are strong enough to carry a man back to the mainland

henri encourages louis to join him in the escape and the men make floats.

however, at the last minute louis decides not to escape, begging henri to stay behind as well.

henri embraces louis one last time and leaps into the sea.

the last line is papillon (henri) made it to freedom

however, i think that bc he is facing frontwards, it could instead be a sign that this time he's found peace and doesn't need to run anymore, therefore he will stay on the island of eroda.

reminder that the butterfly and the "it is what it is" were a set

you can also see the "it is what it is" tattoo louis has is in the same spot as the tattoos from the film.