Jeff Goldblum On His Fight To Change The Fly's Ending

Kenji Nakamura

4 min read

Post on Apr 29, 2025

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The Original Ending and its Impact

The original ending of The Fly is nothing short of visceral. Seth Brundle, played brilliantly by Jeff Goldblum, transforms into a grotesque, insect-human hybrid, a tragic culmination of his ambitious teleportation experiment gone horribly wrong. He pleads with Veronica Quaife (Geena Davis) to end his suffering before succumbing to his horrific state, leaving behind a chilling message about the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition.

The ending's impact was immediate and lasting. It solidified The Fly's place in cinematic history as a masterclass in body horror, leaving audiences disturbed and deeply affected.

• Visual Effects: The special effects, groundbreaking for their time, depicted Brundle's transformation with shocking realism, amplifying the emotional horror.
• Emotional Impact: The scene is profoundly sad and disturbing, eliciting a range of intense emotions from viewers: fear, pity, and a deep sense of unease.
• Critical Acclaim: The Fly earned significant critical acclaim, with many praising its daring and unflinching portrayal of Brundle's disintegration. While not winning any major awards specifically for its ending, the film's overall success was undeniably tied to its shocking conclusion.
• Cultural Impact: The image of Brundle's final, horrific form has become a staple of pop culture, referenced in countless films, television shows, and even video games, solidifying the ending's place in cinematic history.

Jeff Goldblum's Perspective and Potential Input

While there's no definitive proof Jeff Goldblum directly fought to change The Fly's ending, exploring his statements and understanding his relationship with Cronenberg offers intriguing insight. Unfortunately, Goldblum hasn't explicitly discussed trying to alter the film's conclusion in any widely publicized interviews.

However, considering his known collaborative nature and his commitment to character development, it's plausible he may have offered suggestions or engaged in discussions with Cronenberg about the ending's direction.

• Goldblum's Quotes: Finding direct quotes regarding his involvement in shaping the ending remains elusive, fueling the speculation.
• Behind-the-Scenes Stories: Limited behind-the-scenes information adds to the mystery, leaving much to interpretation.
• Speculation: Given Goldblum's reputation for being a thoughtful and collaborative actor, it's not inconceivable he would have shared input on such a pivotal scene. His relationship with Cronenberg, known for his strong directorial vision, likely influenced the creative process.

The Creative Process and Artistic Choices

The creative process behind a film, particularly one as artistically ambitious as The Fly, hinges significantly on the director's vision. David Cronenberg is renowned for his unflinching exploration of body horror and the psychological impact of extreme physical transformations. The film's ending perfectly encapsulates his artistic style.

Cronenberg likely resisted significant changes to the ending because it served his overarching thematic goals, exploring the horrifying consequences of scientific hubris and the dehumanizing effects of unchecked ambition.

• Cronenberg's Style: His distinctive style, focusing on body horror and psychological themes, made the original ending crucial to the film's message.
• Thematic Resonance: The bleak ending underscores the film's central themes of scientific ambition and its potential catastrophic consequences, perfectly reflecting Cronenberg's artistic vision.
• Ending's Effectiveness: The powerful conclusion resonates deeply because it effectively delivers the thematic message, creating an unforgettable and disturbing experience for the viewer.

Alternative Endings and "What Ifs"

Imagining alternative endings for The Fly is a fascinating exercise. Perhaps Jeff Goldblum might have suggested a slightly less gruesome conclusion, emphasizing Brundle's mental state rather than the physical horror.

• Alternative Ending 1: Instead of complete physical disintegration, Brundle could have been left in a less monstrous state, with the focus shifting to his emotional and psychological breakdown. This would have changed the overall tone, possibly making it more of a tragedy than a body horror spectacle.
• Comparison: This alternative ending contrasts sharply with the original's visceral impact, exchanging shocking visuals for a focus on mental anguish.
• Thematic Shift: This shift in focus would alter the thematic resonance, potentially minimizing the emphasis on the physical horror and highlighting the mental toll of Brundle's transformation.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of The Fly and Jeff Goldblum's Role

Ultimately, while the exact nature of Jeff Goldblum's potential involvement in shaping The Fly's ending remains shrouded in speculation, the film's lasting impact is undeniable. The original ending, in all its horrifying glory, remains a testament to David Cronenberg's artistic vision and a pivotal moment in horror cinema history. The director's artistic authority ultimately prevailed.

Did Jeff Goldblum truly attempt to change The Fly's ending? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!