Behind-the-Scenes: Jeff Goldblum And The Fly's Altered Conclusion

Luna Greco

5 min read

Post on May 06, 2025

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The Original Ending of The Fly: A Different Kind of Transformation

David Cronenberg's initial vision for The Fly's conclusion differed significantly from what graced the silver screen. While the theatrical release leaves the audience with a chilling, ambiguous image of Seth Brundle's horrific transformation, the original concept painted a far more gruesome picture. This original ending, a product of Cronenberg's dark and unflinching vision, planned to showcase a far more graphic and disturbing visual effect depicting Brundle's complete disintegration.

• Planned Visual Effects: The original ending intended to show Seth Brundle's body undergoing a much more dramatic and visually arresting decomposition, a far cry from the relatively subdued final moments seen in the film's release.
• Emotional Impact: The original, more graphic ending would have likely amplified the film's horror elements and left a far more visceral impact on viewers. The ambiguity of the released ending allows for varied interpretations, but the original ending would have been far less open to interpretation.
• Reasons for the Change: The shift from the original ending to the theatrical release likely stemmed from a combination of factors. Budgetary constraints related to the complex visual effects required for the original ending, along with concerns about potential audience reaction to an excessively graphic depiction of Brundle’s demise, probably played a significant role in the decision-making process.

Jeff Goldblum's Role in Shaping The Fly's Altered Conclusion

Jeff Goldblum's contribution extended beyond his captivating performance as Seth Brundle. His collaboration with Cronenberg during post-production likely played a crucial role in shaping The Fly's Altered Conclusion. Goldblum's insightful feedback and creative input, though undocumented in detail, undoubtedly influenced the final cut.

• Anecdotal Evidence: While specific anecdotes are scarce, it's plausible that Goldblum's keen understanding of his character and the film's narrative arc contributed to discussions regarding the most effective and impactful ending.
• Goldblum's Performance and Viewer Response: Goldblum's nuanced and empathetic portrayal of Brundle, even in his monstrous state, arguably softened the horrific aspects of the transformation, making the more ambiguous ending more palatable to a wider audience.
• Goldblum's Star Power: Goldblum's growing star power at the time might have also influenced the decision to opt for a slightly less extreme conclusion. A more commercially viable and less alienating ending was arguably in the best interest of the film's overall success.

The Impact of The Fly's Altered Conclusion on the Film's Legacy

The critical reception of The Fly’s released ending cemented its place as a classic of the horror genre. However, one can only speculate on how critics would have received the more graphic original ending. While the released version is lauded for its ambiguity and chilling atmosphere, the original could have been seen as either more visceral and effective or unnecessarily gratuitous.

• Enduring Status as a Classic: The ambiguity of the final ending arguably contributes to the film's lasting appeal, sparking endless discussions and interpretations amongst viewers and critics alike. This open-endedness continues to fuel The Fly's cultural relevance.
• Influence on the Horror Genre: The Fly's altered conclusion, despite its relative restraint compared to the original concept, still holds significant influence within the horror genre, showcasing the potential for body horror to explore themes of identity, transformation, and the fear of losing oneself.
• Lasting Impact and Ambiguity: The ambiguity of the released ending continues to generate discussion and interpretation, becoming a key element of its legacy. Its openness allows for multiple readings, ensuring that The Fly remains a topic of conversation decades later.

Exploring Alternative Endings and What Might Have Been

What if Cronenberg had stuck with his original, more graphic vision? The impact could have been substantial. A more explicitly horrific ending could have potentially alienated some viewers but might have also garnered even greater critical acclaim for its unflinching depiction of body horror.

• Alternative Interpretations: The change in ending has led to several interpretations of the final scene. The released version allows for both a tragic and a slightly hopeful reading of Brundle's fate, whereas the original would have eliminated any ambiguity.
• Sequel Potential: The ambiguous nature of the released ending leaves the door open for various interpretations and potential sequel ideas, which wouldn’t have been the case with the original ending.
• Fan Theories: The altered ending has fueled countless fan theories and discussions, with many speculating on what exactly happened to Brundle in that final scene. The potential for such interpretations is a testament to the film’s enduring power.

Conclusion

The story behind The Fly's Altered Conclusion highlights the complex interplay of artistic vision, budgetary realities, and audience expectations in filmmaking. Jeff Goldblum's involvement, though largely unseen, undoubtedly played a role in shaping the final product. The ambiguity of the released ending, however, ultimately contributed to the film's enduring legacy as a chilling masterpiece of body horror. The decision to alter the conclusion, while possibly stemming from practical concerns, arguably strengthened the film's impact and ensured its place in cinematic history. What are your thoughts on the different possible conclusions to The Fly? Share your perspectives on this iconic film's alternate endings below!