Death Becomes Her: Frenemies Por Vida
Death Becomes Her, Universal Pictures (1992).
By R. J. F.
Kitsch, satirical comedy, cult classic, dark humor are words that can be used to describe the film Death Becomes Her. The movie stars Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn as two frenemies that are obsessed with staying youthful and beautiful while fighting over a very unimpressive man, Ernest, played by Bruce Willis. One might ask how and why these two women, who were at one time good friends, hate each other. It all stems from jealousy, which is usually the case when one has a frenemy. This is the main catalyst for the film. There are too many ins and outs to get into, so I’ll make this quick. These two women are so desperate to be desired by Ernest, and society, that they drink a secret potion (at separate times) that will keep them beautiful forever, but causes immortality, and they eventually become zombies who end up being stuck with each other forever.
Audiences were used to seeing Hawn in comedic roles because that’s how her career started, but Streep was not known for being a comedic actor. This movie gave her a chance to show that she could play roles that were not dramatic. I’m especially amused by Willis in this film because he plays a character that is totally weak-willed and submissive, which is very different from the tank top wearing tough guys he usually played. He bumbles around trying to please Madeline and Helen, so as to not anger them, and is also easily overwhelmed in stressful situations. Again, this is very unlike the characters he typically played.
Besides the amusing premise and performances, the special effects in the movie were very revolutionary for the 90s. In fact, it won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects in the ’93 ceremony. Watching it today, it looks pretty corny when Helen rises from the pool with a hole in her stomach after being shot by Madeline, or when Madeline is walking around with her head completely twisted backwards after Ernest pushes her down the stairs, but these effects were considered ahead of their time in ‘92.
With all the murdering, tug-of-war, and rival zombies walking around, it’s easy to overlook the satirical commentary that this movie is providing about the desire to stay beautiful and young forever. It’s no secret that our society values people more when they are perceived to be attractive, and part of being attractive is being fresh-faced as long as possible. Death Becomes Her brilliantly points this out because both Madeline and Helen didn’t even hesitate when offered the secret potion that would let them be young forever. They didn’t think about the fact that they would be immortal and what that truly means, nor did they consider what might happen if they were to die. This is the case with so many people, especially in Hollywood, who jump at the chance to try any and every serum, treatment, or surgery that could lead to that youthful glow. Even though the movie was made 30 years ago, and natural aging has become slightly more acceptable, society still demands that people, especially women, do not look their age in order to be sexy and relevant.
Over the years, the movie has taken on a new life. I often see social media posts hyping a one-time screening of the film. People will dress up as one of their favorite characters, pose for pictures, and have memorized every line. The premise, even though it’s totally insane, is charming all these years later, but the effects have not aged very well. Even so, audiences latched onto it when it was released, and are still entertained by this silly movie, which is exactly what it is. Even though there is clear messaging about the dangers of being preoccupied with staying young forever, when it comes down to it, Death Becomes Her is simply a humorous piece of entertainment that shouldn’t be taken seriously.
