Introduction Death Becomes Her
"Death Becomes Her", released in 1992, is a dark comedy film directed by Robert Zemeckis that explores the theme of vanity and mortality. The movie tells the story of Madeline Ashton (played by Meryl Streep), a self-absorbed and egocentric actress who is desperate to maintain her youth and beauty at any cost. Her obsession with staying young leads her to undergo a revolutionary new cosmetic procedure, but things take an unexpected turn when she discovers that she has become immortal. In the background of the film lies a commentary on the superficiality of Hollywood and the lengths people will go to in order to stay young and beautiful. The movie pokes fun at the excesses of celebrity culture and the societal pressure to conform to certain beauty standards. Additionally, "Death Becomes Her" explores themes of identity, loneliness, and the search for meaning in life. The film is also notable for its use of satire and social commentary, which are hallmarks of director Robert Zemeckis's style. With its clever script and strong performances from Streep and Goldie Hawn (who plays the role of Madeline's rival), "Death Becomes Her" is a thought-provoking and often hilarious exploration of what it means to be human."
Plot and Themes Death Becomes Her
'Death Becomes Her' is a 1992 American fantasy comedy film directed by Robert Zemeckis. The movie follows the story of two women, Madeline Ashton (Goldie Hawn) and Helen Sharp (Meryl Streep), who are rivals in love and career. Madeline is an actress who has just received a facelift to look younger, while Helen is her former best friend and fellow actress who feels overshadowed by Madeline's success. When Madeline accidentally kills herself during the facelift procedure, she returns from the dead as a ghost seeking revenge on those who wronged her. Helen becomes obsessed with gaining eternal youth and beauty, and she discovers a mysterious funeral home where she can achieve this goal through a strange ritual involving the death of others. Helen convinces Madeline to join forces with her in this pursuit of immortality, but Madeline soon realizes that this comes at a terrible cost: her soul. Throughout the movie, themes such as vanity, ambition, and the value of life are explored. The film critiques the societal pressure on women to maintain their youth and beauty, as well as the consequences of seeking eternal life through unnatural means. Meanwhile, it also highlights the power struggle between Madeline and Helen, showcasing how these two female characters navigate their relationships with each other and themselves. Ultimately, 'Death Becomes Her' is a darkly comedic commentary on modern society's obsession with appearance and youth, using a supernatural narrative to explore these themes in a unique and entertaining way.
Performance and Direction Death Becomes Her
The 1992 comedy-drama film "Death Becomes Her" features a star-studded cast, including Goldie Hawn, Bruce Willis, and Meryl Streep. Here's my evaluation of their performances: Goldie Hawn as Madeline Ashton: Hawn is fantastic in this role, bringing her signature charm and wit to the character. She plays a narcissistic actress who makes a pact with the devil to stay young forever. Her comedic timing is impeccable, and she shines in scenes where she has to convey her character's ridiculous and shallow personality. Bruce Willis as Ernest Menville: Willis is solid in his role as Madeline's husband. He brings a dry sense of humor to the part, but unfortunately, he is often overshadowed by Hawn's more outrageous performance. His character is somewhat one-dimensional, which limits the impact of his acting. Meryl Streep as Helen Sharp: Streep is fantastic in her role as Madeline's rival actress who makes a pact with the devil to kill her. She brings a sense of sophistication and gravitas to the part, and her scenes with Hawn are some of the film's most memorable moments. Her performance is both comedic and dramatic, making her a highlight of the movie. The direction by Robert Zemeckis: Zemeckis does an excellent job of balancing humor and drama in this film. He uses clever visual effects to bring the fantasy elements to life, making it feel like a true comedy-drama hybrid. His direction is confident, and he knows how to get the best out of his actors. Overall, "Death Becomes Her" is a hilarious and engaging film with strong performances from its lead actresses. While Bruce Willis's performance is somewhat limited by his character, Meryl Streep steals the show as Helen Sharp. Robert Zemeckis's direction brings everything together seamlessly, making this a must-see comedy-drama for fans of both genres.
Technical Aspects Death Becomes Her
"Death Becomes Her" is a 1992 American fantasy comedy film directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Goldie Hawn, Meryl Streep, and Bruce Willis. Here are some of the technical aspects that contribute to the movie's success: 1. Cinematography: The film was shot on location in Los Angeles and New York City. Cinematographer Donald Peterman used a combination of 35mm film and digital cameras to capture the scenes. 2. Sound Design: The sound design for "Death Becomes Her" was handled by Steve Maslow, who also worked on other films like "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" and "Back to the Future." The movie's soundtrack features a mix of orchestral scores, jazz, and pop music from artists such as Madonna and Tina Turner. 3. Visual Effects: The visual effects in "Death Becomes Her" were created by Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), a renowned special effects company that has worked on many films, including the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises. Some of the notable visual effects in the movie include: * The makeup transformations: When Helen Tasker (Goldie Hawn) and Madeline Ashton (Meryl Streep) become undead, their skin transforms into an almost translucent, ghostly appearance. This effect was achieved by using a combination of prosthetic makeup and digital compositing. * The age regression: In one scene, Madeline is transformed back into her younger self after she makes a deal with the devil. This transformation was achieved through a combination of makeup and CGI. * The supernatural sequences: When Helen and Madeline interact with the supernatural elements in the film, such as the demonic entities that inhabit the underworld, the visual effects were created using a combination of practical effects (such as puppetry) and digital compositing. Overall, the technical aspects of "Death Becomes Her" contribute to its unique blend of dark humor, satire, and fantasy. The movie's visuals are both eerie and beautiful, adding to its enduring appeal as a cult classic.
More Details Death Becomes Her
"Death Becomes Her" is a 1992 American fantasy comedy film directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Martin Donovan. The film stars Goldie Hawn as Madeline Ashton, a self-absorbed actress who becomes obsessed with her own mortality after making a pact with the devil to remain youthful and beautiful forever. Cast: * Goldie Hawn as Madeline Ashton * Meryl Streep as Helen Sharp * Bruce Willis as Ernest Menville * Isabella Rossellini as Lisle von Rhuman Production Companies: * Universal Pictures * Robert Zemeckis Productions * Tenth Floor Productions * Alphaville Films Interesting Trivia: 1. The film was originally titled "Death Becomes Her" after the 1979 novel of the same name by Lisa Alther, which explores themes of identity and mortality. 2. Goldie Hawn underwent extensive makeup and hair treatments to achieve her youthful appearance on screen. She reportedly spent up to four hours each day in the makeup chair. 3. Meryl Streep was initially offered the role of Madeline Ashton but turned it down due to concerns about the script's themes of vanity and materialism. The part ultimately went to Goldie Hawn, who accepted it without hesitation. 4. Bruce Willis was a last-minute addition to the cast after Jack Nicholson dropped out due to creative differences with Robert Zemeckis. 5. Isabella Rossellini initially turned down the role of Lisle von Rhuman but changed her mind when she learned that her character would have a memorable death scene in which she dissolves into a puddle of water. 6. The film's climactic sequence, in which Madeline Ashton and Helen Sharp engage in an epic battle with magic wands, was shot on location at the historic Culver Studios in Los Angeles. 7. Robert Zemeckis used a combination of practical makeup effects and CGI to create the film's fantastical visual elements, including the scenes where characters transform into statues and dissolve into water. 8. The score for "Death Becomes Her" was composed by Howard Shore, who is also known for his work on films like "The Silence of the Lambs" and "Lord of the Rings." 9. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics at the time of its release, "Death Becomes Her" has since become a cult classic and is often cited as one of the best fantasy comedies of the 1990s. 10. The film's themes of vanity, mortality, and the consequences of making pacts with dark forces have been interpreted by some critics as a commentary on the excesses of Hollywood culture during the 1980s and 1990s.
Conclusion Death Becomes Her
"Death Becomes Her" is a film that defies expectations at every turn, offering both biting social commentary and sidesplitting comedy in equal measure. Robert Zemeckis's direction is as meticulous as ever, crafting a narrative that seamlessly blends elements of drama, satire, and fantasy. The cast is undoubtedly the strongest aspect of the film, with Robin Williams delivering a tour-de-force performance as Ernest Menville. His chemistry with Meryl Streep, who plays Madeline Ashton, is undeniable, and their banter is often laugh-out-loud funny. Goldie Hawn, playing Lisle von Rhuman, also shines in her supporting role. However, the film's greatest strength lies in its biting commentary on our society's obsession with youth and beauty. The way it tackles issues like plastic surgery and societal pressure to conform is both thought-provoking and hilarious. The visuals are also stunning, with some of the most impressive makeup effects seen in any film. Despite these strengths, there are a few areas where the film falls short. At times, the pacing can feel a bit slow, and the supporting characters could be fleshed out more fully. Additionally, the film's tone can be jarring at times, veering wildly from comedy to drama without always feeling seamless. Overall, "Death Becomes Her" is a wild ride that will leave you laughing one moment and questioning your own values the next. While it may not be perfect, it is undeniably an original and unforgettable film that will continue to fascinate audiences for years to come.