Death Becomes Her (1992)

Director:

Robert Zemeckis

Writers (WGA):

Martin Donovan (written by) &
David Koepp (written by)

Release Date:

31 July 1992 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Fantasy

Tagline:

Some people will go to any lengths to stay young forever. But Madeline Ashton and her old friend Helen Sharp are about to go TOO far.

Plot:

When a woman learns of an immortality treatment, she sees it as a way to outdo her long-time rival.

Plot Keywords:

Rival | Actress | Alcoholic | Immortality | Revenge

Awards:

Won Oscar. Another 3 wins & 8 nominations

Cast

Meryl Streep	...	Madeline Ashton
Bruce Willis	...	Dr. Ernest Menville
Goldie Hawn	...	Helen Sharp
Isabella Rossellini	...	Lisle von Rhoman
Ian Ogilvy	...	Chagall
Adam Storke	...	Dakota
Nancy Fish	...	Rose, Madeleine's Maid
Alaina Reed Hall	...	Psychologist
Michelle Johnson	...	Anna, Chagall's Aide
Mary Ellen Trainor	...	Vivian Adams
William Frankfather	...	Mr. Franklin
John Ingle	...	Eulogist
Clement von Franckenstein	...	Opening Man
Petrea Burchard	...	Opening Woman
Jim Jansen	...	Man #2

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for some nudity and off-color humor.

Runtime:

104 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Certification:

Iceland:L | Italy:T | Argentina:13 | Australia:M | Canada:14 (Nova Scotia) | Canada:G (Quebec) | Canada:PA (Manitoba) | Canada:PG (Ontario) | Chile:14 | Finland:K-14 | Germany:12 | Netherlands:12 | Norway:15 | Singapore:PG | South Korea:15 | Spain:T | Sweden:15 | UK:PG | USA:PG-13

Filming Locations:

Bel Air, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Universal Pictures

Trivia:

In an interview Meryl Streep revealed that she assumed the role of Helen (Goldie Hawn's character) was meant for her. Not the "song-and-dance" role of Madeline.

Goofs:

Continuity: When Helen gets out of the fountain after being shot, she is soaking wet from head to toe. Just a few minutes later when she and Madelina engage in their shovel battle, Helen's hair is completely dry.

Quotes:

Helen Sharp: After the autopsy there will be only slight traces of Narconal left in her body. It will be viewed as just another - drunk - driver.
[In Coroner's lab. Madeline's charred torso and arm is visible with a fused beer bottle in her hand]
Coroner: [Picks up hand with bottle] Blood alcohol level- 3.0... She had it coming.
[Drops hand, bottle brakes]
Helen Sharp: Case closed, Madeline's dead, and we're free!

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Saturday Night Live: Jeff Goldblum/Aerosmith (#19.3)" (1993)

Soundtrack:

Me

The Question of Immortality

When I first watched this movie, I felt like it is just one of those movies that I would give a 6 score. But I found myself watching this movie again and again. As conversations or question of immortality arises, I found myself quoting or referencing the movie.

Because the movie is so watchable after so many viewings, I think this is a classic movie. It is about two woman trying to steal a man and fighting over their differences and jealousy. These woman wants to pursue immortality while another man wants to choose mortality and live a full life. It is the question of superficiality and immortality that struck me deep. The other issue is the desire to find that fountain of youth at the same time. The issues are as old as time. How do you feel when someone comes to you and say "You are old!". That was one of the phrases when a young man complains to Meryl Streep. These are some of the things you will ponder.

Bruce Willis really surprise me this one as he no longer plays the tough man image. While Goldie Hawn and Meryl Streep play great opposite roles as the two jealous fighting women who fight over differences and yet have to live together inspite of it. Yes, I have people I really detest and must live with them. Therefore, a lot of issues in this movie really hits me deep.