Death Becomes Her
Released in 1992, “Death Becomes Her” is a dark comedy fantasy film directed by Robert Zemeckis, starring Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, and Bruce Willis. The film takes a satirical and humorous approach to the themes of immortality, vanity, and the consequences of pursuing eternal youth. With its blend of witty dialogue, special effects, and stellar performances, “Death Becomes Her” remains a cult classic that invites viewers to reflect on the human obsession with physical perfection and the lengths some may go to defy the inevitability of death.
The film opens with a prologue set in 1978, introducing the main characters, Madeline Ashton (Meryl Streep) and Helen Sharp (Goldie Hawn). Madeline is a successful and glamorous actress, while Helen is an aspiring writer with a humble background. The two women share a complex history involving love triangles and rivalry. The catalyst for the plot is the entrance of Dr. Ernest Menville (Bruce Willis), a talented plastic surgeon and Madeline’s current husband, who becomes entangled in the web of deceit and immortality that the two women weave.
One of the central themes of “Death Becomes Her” is society’s obsession with physical appearance and the fear of aging. Madeline Ashton embodies the epitome of Hollywood’s superficiality, constantly striving for perfection and willing to undergo any procedure to maintain her youthful beauty. This obsession is not only a critique of the entertainment industry but also a reflection of broader societal pressures on women to conform to unrealistic beauty standards.
The film’s title itself, “Death Becomes Her,” is a play on the traditional phrase “death becomes her” used to compliment someone on their dignified appearance after passing away. However, in this context, the film explores how the pursuit of immortality can twist the concept of death becoming someone. Instead of accepting the natural course of life, the characters in the film seek to manipulate and control their own mortality, leading to unintended consequences.
The narrative takes a fantastical turn when the characters discover a mysterious elixir of immortality, offered by a mysterious woman named Lisle von Rhuman (Isabella Rossellini). Lisle becomes the enigmatic figure who introduces the characters to the possibility of eternal youth. The elixir promises not only to halt the aging process but also to heal any injuries or physical flaws. However, the catch is that the effects are irreversible, trapping the characters in a state of perpetual existence.
As Madeline and Helen consume the elixir, the film unfolds a series of comedic and grotesque events. The special effects, particularly the innovative use of CGI for the time, showcase the physical transformations the characters undergo. From broken necks to gunshot wounds, the women experience injuries that would be fatal for any mortal, only to emerge unscathed and seemingly immortal. The film’s visual effects, under the supervision of Ken Ralston, earned “Death Becomes Her” an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, highlighting its groundbreaking contribution to the industry.
Beyond its visual spectacle, “Death Becomes Her” delves into the psychological and emotional toll of immortality. The characters find themselves stuck in a cycle of physical decay and repair, leading to a darkly humorous exploration of the consequences of their choices. The perpetual existence becomes a curse rather than a blessing, as the characters witness the world around them changing while they remain frozen in time.
Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn deliver memorable performances, bringing depth to characters that could easily have become caricatures in a film of this nature. Streep captures the essence of Madeline’s vanity and desperation, while Hawn portrays Helen’s bitterness and resentment with equal conviction. Bruce Willis, known for his roles in action films, adds a comedic touch to the film as the bumbling and conflicted plastic surgeon caught in the middle of the chaos.
The film’s satire extends beyond its exploration of immortality to comment on the emptiness of a life solely focused on physical appearance. Madeline’s pursuit of beauty and success leads to a shallow existence devoid of meaningful relationships. The irony is that despite achieving eternal youth, the characters find themselves isolated and trapped in a cycle of self-obsession.
“Death Becomes Her” also tackles the theme of female rivalry, often perpetuated by societal expectations and competitive environments. Madeline and Helen’s toxic relationship serves as a commentary on the way women are pitted against each other, especially in industries that place a premium on physical attractiveness. The film uses humor to expose the absurdity of this rivalry and the destructive consequences it can have on individuals.
In addition to its social commentary, the film plays with the conventions of the horror genre. While not a traditional horror film, “Death Becomes Her” incorporates elements of the macabre, with the characters experiencing gruesome injuries and engaging in darkly comedic acts. The eerie atmosphere is heightened by Alan Silvestri’s score, which complements the film’s blend of horror and comedy.
“Death Becomes Her” has endured as a cult classic due to its unique blend of genres, innovative special effects, and sharp social commentary. It remains a film that challenges societal norms and expectations, prompting viewers to reflect on the consequences of an unrelenting pursuit of youth and beauty. The combination of stellar performances, dark humor, and groundbreaking visual effects cements its place in cinematic history as a film that defies categorization and continues to captivate audiences decades after its release.
