Behind the Scenes Drama on the Set of Death Becomes Her
The 1992 film Death Becomes Her is remembered for its unique blend of dark humor and supernatural elements. The story centers around a fierce rivalry between Madeline, portrayed by Meryl Streep, and her former friend Helen, played by Goldie Hawn. However, it seems that some of the tension from the film’s plot extended beyond the screen.
According to Meryl Streep, there was indeed some off-screen friction with her co-star, Goldie Hawn. She revealed that Hawn had a habit of arriving late to set, which occasionally frustrated her. Streep shared that Hawn would often drive herself to the set in a red convertible, leading to speculation about why she was always late.
“She’d drive herself to set. She had her hair all… ‘Oh gosh, sorry!’ And everybody thought, ‘Oh, she’s so cute.’ Yeah. So I had a beef with her,” Streep said. Despite this, she emphasized that she never truly disliked Hawn. In fact, she described her as one of the warmest people she knows.
Streep also shared fond memories of working with Hawn, referring to her as one of her “buddies.” She recalled how filming the film’s quirky yet intense scenes was both fun and memorable. “We just had a lot of fun. And she’s the best laugher in America, really. She laughs like, ‘Ahahaha!’ And then they have to stop shooting,” she added.
In addition to Hawn, Streep worked alongside Bruce Willis, who played Dr. Ernest Menville in the film. She praised him as amazing and fun to work with. However, she admitted that not everything about the filming experience was enjoyable.
The Technical Challenges of Death Becomes Her
While the film was entertaining, Streep found the technical aspects particularly challenging. The movie featured several intense and grotesque moments, such as a gunshot hole through the torso. Bringing these scenes to life required heavy technical work, which Streep found exhausting.
She recalled having to film in an oversized green spandex suit, with pins attached all over it to help achieve the visual effects. “It’s a completely different animal,” she said. “Tedious is kind of a little word for what it is. It’s excruciating.”
One memorable scene involved Streep’s character, Madeline, having her neck twisted after falling down the stairs. This scene was achieved using early computer-generated imagery (CG), requiring meticulous effort from both the cast and the crew. The countless hours spent perfecting these details ultimately paid off, as the film has since become a cult favorite.
A Cult Classic That Endures
Death Becomes Her continues to be revisited, especially around Halloween. Its unique blend of humor and horror has ensured its place in pop culture. The film remains a testament to the dedication and creativity of its cast and crew.
For fans of Meryl Streep, the behind-the-scenes stories add another layer of appreciation for the actress’s work. From her camaraderie with Goldie Hawn to the technical challenges of the film, Death Becomes Her offers a glimpse into the complexities of filmmaking.
Final Thoughts
Meryl Streep’s reflections on the making of Death Becomes Her highlight both the difficulties and the joys of working on a film that pushed the boundaries of its time. Whether it was dealing with Hawn’s lateness or enduring the grueling technical requirements, Streep’s commitment to her craft is evident.
As the film continues to captivate audiences, it serves as a reminder of the creative processes that bring beloved movies to life. For those who have seen the film, these behind-the-scenes insights offer a new perspective on a classic.
