Death Becomes Her (1992) Ending Explained
tl;dr
The ending of Death Becomes Her (1992) reveals the consequences of vanity and immortality as Helen (Goldie Hawn) and Madeline (Meryl Streep), now undead and physically decaying, continue their feud while Ernest (Bruce Willis), freed from their manipulations, moves on with his life. The film concludes with the two women trapped in an eternal cycle of rivalry, their bodies deteriorating but unable to die, while Ernest finds happiness without them. The darkly comedic finale underscores the themes of vanity, the futile pursuit of perfection, and the hollow nature of immortality without meaning.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climax of Death Becomes Her sees Helen and Madeline, having consumed a magical potion granting them immortality, physically falling apart after a violent confrontation. Despite their bodies being broken and decaying - Madeline's neck twisted, Helen's abdomen gaping-they remain alive, unable to die. Ernest, the plastic surgeon caught between them, initially tries to "fix" them but realizes the absurdity of their situation. In a moment of clarity, he rejects their toxic influence, leaves them behind, and starts a new life with a younger woman, finally free from their manipulations. The final scene shows Helen and Madeline, now grotesque caricatures of their former glamorous selves, still bickering in a mansion littered with shattered mirrors, their rivalry eternal.
Themes and Symbolism
The ending reinforces the film's central themes: the folly of vanity and the curse of immortality. Helen and Madeline's obsession with youth and beauty leads them to literal disintegration, their immortality rendering them monstrous rather than divine. The shattered mirrors in the final scene symbolize their broken illusions of perfection. Ernest's departure represents the film's moral: true happiness comes from self-acceptance, not external validation. The potion, sold by the enigmatic Lisle (Isabella Rossellini), is a Faustian bargain-it grants eternal life but at the cost of humanity, leaving the users trapped in their worst selves. The ending is a darkly humorous critique of societal pressures to conform to unrealistic standards of beauty.
Unresolved Questions and Possible Answers
1. What happens to Lisle after the events of the film?
- She likely continues selling her potion to other vain clients, perpetuating the cycle.
- Alternatively, she may face consequences for her manipulations, though the film leaves this open.
2. Do Helen and Madeline ever reconcile or find a way to die?
- Unlikely; their feud seems eternal, reflecting the endless nature of their curse.
- They might eventually deteriorate into complete ruin, but death is impossible for them.
3. Is Ernest truly happy in his new life, or is he repeating old patterns?
- His contentment seems genuine, as he's no longer obsessed with fixing others.
- However, his attraction to a younger woman could hint at lingering superficiality.
Personal Opinion on the Ending and Film
The ending of Death Becomes Her is a brilliant, macabre punchline to its satirical premise. The visual effects of Helen and Madeline's decay are both hilarious and horrifying, perfectly capturing the film's tone. While the movie is a comedy, its message about the dangers of vanity is sharp and timeless. The finale leaves the audience with a satisfying irony: the women who sought eternal beauty are left as hideous, immortal shells, while Ernest, the "ordinary" man, wins by walking away. The film's campy style and stellar performances make it a cult classic, and the ending's dark humor ensures it lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Death Becomes Her was ahead of its time in its critique of beauty standards and its use of cutting-edge visual effects. The ending's grotesque imagery paved the way for later dark comedies like Jennifer's Body. The film's exploration of female rivalry and aging remains relevant, especially in today's era of filters and cosmetic enhancements. Its conclusion-a cautionary tale about the emptiness of superficial pursuits-resonates even more strongly now. While not a box-office smash initially, its cult status has grown, thanks to its witty script, iconic performances, and unforgettable finale. The movie's blend of humor, horror, and social commentary ensures its place as a unique gem in 1990s cinema.