Death Becomes Her Film Review: A Cult Classic Exploring the Pursuit of Eternal Youth
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have eternal youth? The 1992 film Death Becomes Her, directed by Robert Zemeckis, explores this very concept in a satirical and darkly comedic way. The film follows the story of two rivals, Madeline Ashton (played by Meryl Streep) and Helen Sharp (Goldie Hawn), who become obsessed with staying young and beautiful forever.
The film’s premise is simple yet intriguing: Madeline and Helen discover a magical potion that promises eternal youth. However, as they soon discover, there’s a catch – the potion comes with a curse that makes their bodies immortal, surviving even the most gruesome accidents. This leads to a series of hilarious and outrageous events as the two women try to one-up each other in their pursuit of eternal beauty.
One of the most notable aspects of Death Becomes Her is its stellar cast. Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn deliver outstanding performances as the two rivals, showcasing their comedic chops and on-screen chemistry. Bruce Willis also shines in his role as Dr. Ernest Menville, the plastic surgeon-turned-mortician caught in the middle of the two women’s antics.
The film’s visual effects were also groundbreaking for its time, with the use of computer-generated imagery (CGI) to create the characters’ immortal bodies. The special effects team, led by Ken Ralston, won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, and the film’s innovative use of CGI has since become a landmark in the history of visual effects in cinema.
Despite its critical and commercial success, Death Becomes Her was not without its detractors. Some critics felt that the film’s dark humor and grotesque visuals were too much, with Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel both giving it a “thumbs down” in their review. However, over time, the film has developed a strong cult following, particularly among the LGBTQ+ community, who have embraced its camp sensibilities and celebration of the ridiculous.
One of the reasons why Death Becomes Her has endured as a cult classic is its thematic relevance. The film’s exploration of the obsession with eternal youth and beauty is just as relevant today as it was in 1992. The pressure on women to stay young and beautiful forever is a societal construct that the film cleverly satirizes, with Streep‘s character serving as a cautionary tale of the lengths some will go to in pursuit of this ideal.
In conclusion, Death Becomes Her is a must-see for fans of dark comedy and cult classics. Its stellar cast, innovative visual effects, and thematic relevance make it a standout film in the annals of 90s cinema. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering it for the first time, Death Becomes Her is sure to leave you laughing and thinking about the nature of beauty and mortality.
The Legacy of Death Becomes Her: A Cult Classic Endures
Death Becomes Her has endured as a cult classic for over 30 years, with its influence still being felt in popular culture today. The film’s impact can be seen in the way it has been embraced by the LGBTQ+ community, who have celebrated its camp sensibilities and celebration of the ridiculous.
One notable example of the film’s ongoing legacy is its influence on the world of drag. RuPaul, the legendary drag queen and host of RuPaul’s Drag Race, has cited Death Becomes Her as a major inspiration for her own drag persona. The film’s over-the-top aesthetics and celebration of the absurd have become hallmarks of drag culture, with many queens incorporating elements of Death Becomes Her into their own performances.
The film’s influence can also be seen in the way it has been referenced and parodied in other works of popular culture. From television shows like Family Guy and American Dad to music videos like Katy Perry‘s “Wide Awake,” Death Becomes Her has become a touchstone for anyone looking to tap into the zeitgeist of 90s nostalgia and camp sensibilities.
But perhaps the most enduring legacy of Death Becomes Her is the way it has continued to resonate with audiences over the years. The film’s exploration of the obsession with eternal youth and beauty remains just as relevant today as it was in 1992, with the pressure on women to stay young and beautiful forever still being a major societal issue.
In many ways, Death Becomes Her was ahead of its time, predicting the rise of scripted reality television with its no-details-spared scenes and plot twists. The film’s influence can be seen in the way it has paved the way for other dark comedies that explore the absurdities of modern life, from Heathers to Mean Girls.
In conclusion, Death Becomes Her is a true cult classic that has endured for over 30 years. Its influence can be seen in the way it has been embraced by the LGBTQ+ community, referenced and parodied in popular culture, and continued to resonate with audiences over the years. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering it for the first time, Death Becomes Her is sure to leave you laughing and thinking about the nature of beauty and mortality.
