As a film enthusiast with over three decades of movie-watching under my belt, I can confidently say that “Death Becomes Her” is a cult classic that stands the test of time. Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn’s performances are nothing short of iconic, and their on-screen rivalry is a sight to behold.
Iconic actors Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, and Bruce Willis teamed up with esteemed filmmaker Robert Zemeckis in his eccentric and delightfully excessive 1992 black comedy fantasy, “Death Becomes Her“. In this unforgettable tale, these remarkable actresses portray bitter friends vying for the affections of a single man, all while searching for the secret to everlasting youth and beauty.
As a passionate movie enthusiast, I can’t help but sing praises for the underappreciated gem from the ’90s that’s now widely recognized as a cult classic. Its groundbreaking use of CGI earned it the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects and paved the way for future Hollywood productions. It’s been 32 years since this visually stunning film first graced our screens, and with Halloween just around the corner, Death Becomes Her offers the perfect spooky viewing experience to savor before the big day arrives.
Robert Zemeckis’ Slick Satirical Comedy
In this film titled “Death Becomes Her,” directed by Robert Zemeckis, we see an ensemble of renowned Hollywood stars like Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, and Bruce Willis. The storyline revolves around a persistent rivalry between two women: the self-centered, past-her-prime actress Madeline Ashton (Street) and the shy, aspiring author Helen Sharp (Hawn). Their friendship-turned-rivalry flares up once more when Helen’s fiancé, plastic surgeon Ernest Menville (Willis), decides to pursue a relationship with Madeline instead. Heartbroken and distraught, Helen seeks revenge against the couple after being admitted to a psychiatric hospital.
14 years following Ernest’s decision to leave Helen for Madeline, the once unhappy Menvilles are invited to a lavish party hosted by Helen, who has written a new book. To Madeline’s surprise, Helen appears more radiant and youthful than ever. After learning that Helen has been drinking an elixir claimed to grant both youth and eternal life, Madeline too decides to try the potion, but she soon discovers that such promises of immortality and beauty often come with a high cost (and some rather unusual side effects).
A Delightfully Bizarre CGI Spectacle
Originally, “Death Becomes Her” was planned as a follow-up to Robert Zemeckis’ beloved Halloween classic, “Tales from the Crypt,” which he used to watch when he was younger. Initially, Kevin Kline was considered for the role of Dr. Ernest Menville, but he declined due to financial disagreements with the studio. Instead, Bruce Willis, known for his role in “Die Hard,” was cast, beating out contenders Nick Nolte and Jeff Bridges for the part. The film’s impressive special effects were made possible by Zemeckis’ collaboration with Industrial Light & Magic, a visual effects company owned by George Lucas, resulting in breathtaking outcomes.
In the groundbreaking fantasy film “Death Becomes Her,” it was a pioneering step forward for cinema’s use of CGI, as it represented the first instance of computer-generated skin texture being employed in Hollywood production. This innovation was showcased during the scene where Madeline manipulates her neck after a gruesome blow to the head inflicted by Helen using a shovel. Directing this technologically intricate project, Zemeckis and his skilled team also crafted animatronics and prosthetics to convincingly depict the sequence where Madeline’s head is dislocated and facing backward.
As a movie enthusiast, I can attest that the tireless efforts of this renowned director truly bore fruit when “Death Becomes Her” snatched the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. Interestingly enough, this wasn’t the first time one of Zemeckis’ films had achieved such an honor, as it followed in the footsteps of “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” which took home the prize back in 1988.
Initially, ultimately, uniquely, I find it tiresome. Any focus you can muster for that type of humor is swiftly diminished. You seem more like a mechanical apparatus – they might as well use machinery instead. Yet, I was fond of the result. However, performing to an inanimate object like a lampstand lacks enjoyment.
Death Becomes Her Emerges as a Certified Cult Classic
In the same week, “Death Becomes Her” was released alongside “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and the adult animated comedy “Bebe’s Kids.” It dominated the box office, outperforming its competitors and securing the number one spot with an impressive $12.1 million on its opening weekend. The captivating film ultimately grossed $149 million during its run in theaters, despite having a budget of only $55 million. This was another massive success for director Zemeckis and his talented leading cast. Critics praised the mesmerizing performances of Streep and Hawn, while acknowledging its clever script and darkly humorous humor.
As a seasoned movie connoisseur, I can confidently say that Meryl Streep’s captivating performance in “Death Becomes Her” earned her a well-deserved Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress. Her electrifying chemistry with Goldie Hawn is undoubtedly one of the film’s most compelling aspects, making it an absolute pleasure to watch these two legendary actresses go head-to-head on the silver screen.
The film “Death Becomes Her” has gained significant popularity within the LGBTQ community, often shown in bars nationwide during Pride Month. Characters like Madeline and Helen, portrayed as wickedly alluring, have become sought-after roles for drag artists. A Broadway musical adaptation of this ’90s classic premiered on May 19, 2024, based on the Marco Pennette book. Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard bring the legendary roles of the rival friends to life in this stage production. “Death Becomes Her” continues to be a must-watch for fans of its stars, director, and genre, offering an entertaining spectacle as audiences follow the wild events portrayed on screen.
Stream Death Becomes Her on Tubi.
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2024-10-27 23:33