Death Becomes Her is a 1992 American black comedy film directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by David Koepp. It stars Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, and Bruce Willis. The film tells the story of two aging actresses, Madeline Ashton (Streep) and Helen Sharp (Hawn), who are rivals both professionally and personally. When Madeline discovers a potion that can grant eternal youth, she becomes obsessed with maintaining her beauty, even at the cost of her own humanity. Helen, meanwhile, is consumed by jealousy and rage. The two women's rivalry escalates to dangerous heights, as they become increasingly desperate to stay young and beautiful, no matter the cost.
The film is darkly funny and campy which explores themes of aging, beauty, and the lengths people will go to stay young. It is also a visual feast, with groundbreaking special effects that were considered state-of-the-art at the time. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $149 million worldwide. It was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress for Streep. It won the award for Best Visual Effects.
The film has been praised for its humor, its performances, and its special effects. However, it has also been criticized for its superficiality and its lack of substance. Some critics have argued that the film is simply a showcase for Streep and Hawn's vanity, and that it has little to say about the serious issues it raises. Nevertheless, Death Becomes Her remains a popular and enduring film that is sure to continue to entertain audiences for years to come.
Cast
- Meryl Streep as Madeline Ashton
- Bruce Willis as Dr. Ernest Menville
- Goldie Hawn as Helen Sharp
- Isabella Rossellini as Lisle von Rhuman
- Ian Ogilvy as Chagall
- Adam Storke as Dakota Williams
- Alaina Reed Hall as Psychologist
- Michelle Johnson as Anna Jones
- Mary Ellen Trainor as Vivian Adams
- Susan Kellermann as ER nurse
- William Frankfather as Mr. Roy Franklin
- John Ingle as Eulogist
- Debra Jo Rupp as Patient
- Fabio as Lisle's bodyguard
- Sydney Pollack as ER doctor (uncredited)
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Writers: Martin Donovan, David Koepp
Box Office Gross: $149,022,650
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Release Date: July 31, 1992
