The Fly's Ending: Jeff Goldblum's Thoughts And Why He'd Change It

Chloe Fitzgerald

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Post on May 06, 2025

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The Power and Horror of The Fly's Original Ending

The original ending of The Fly isn't just shocking; it's a masterpiece of cinematic horror. Its effectiveness stems from a potent combination of disturbing visuals and a deeply unsettling narrative.

The Scientific Horror:

• Groundbreaking Practical Effects: Cronenberg’s masterful use of practical effects created a visceral and unforgettable transformation. The grotesque detail, the sheer physicality of Brundle's mutation, remains unparalleled in its disturbing realism.
• Unsettling Visuals: The imagery of the Brundlefly is not easily forgotten. The decaying flesh, the distorted features, and the sheer incongruity of human and insect combine to create a potent image of body horror.
• Psychological Impact: The film doesn't shy away from the psychological horror of Brundle's descent. His loss of humanity, his desperate pleas, and his ultimate fate leave a lasting impression on the viewer, long after the credits roll.
• Themes of Hubris and Scientific Miscalculation: The ending perfectly encapsulates the film's central themes: the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition, the consequences of hubris, and the fragility of the human body in the face of scientific experimentation. The horrific transformation serves as a potent cautionary tale.

The Emotional Impact on the Audience:

Beyond the body horror, The Fly's ending is emotionally devastating. It's a tragic love story cut short by the horrific circumstances.

• Loss and Despair: Veronica Quaife's grief is palpable. The loss of her lover, not just to death, but to a monstrous mutation, creates a profound sense of tragedy.
• Fear and Helplessness: The audience shares Veronica's helplessness. There's no heroic rescue, no happy ending. The horror is complete and irreversible.
• Enduring Cinematic Impact: The ending remains one of the most powerful and unforgettable moments in cinematic history, a benchmark for body horror and a testament to Cronenberg's unique vision. Its impact on subsequent horror films is undeniable.

Jeff Goldblum's Perspective: Hypothetical Changes and Interpretations

Given Jeff Goldblum's known charm and charisma, it's interesting to speculate on how he might view The Fly's ending and whether he'd suggest alterations.

A Softer Landing?:

Goldblum's typically optimistic screen persona might lead him to consider a less brutal conclusion.

• A More Ambiguous Ending: Perhaps a slightly more ambiguous ending, leaving a sliver of doubt about Brundle's ultimate fate, could be considered. A suggestion of lingering consciousness, even in a monstrous form, might add a layer of complexity.
• A Hint of Hope: Could Goldblum envision a slightly less hopeless ending? Perhaps a subtle hint of reconciliation or acceptance between Veronica and the transformed Brundle, before his final demise, might soften the blow.
• A Different Resolution: Perhaps Goldblum might suggest a different resolution to the Brundlefly's fate, possibly a less visually graphic one, while still retaining the emotional weight.

Maintaining the Horror, Altering the Tone:

However, it's also possible that Goldblum would advocate for changes that maintain the horror but subtly alter the tone.

• Brundle's Final Words: Subtle alterations to Brundle's final words, perhaps focusing on a different aspect of regret or acceptance, could shift the emotional impact without diminishing the horror.
• Veronica's Reaction: A slightly different portrayal of Veronica's reaction, possibly emphasizing resilience or a quiet acceptance of loss, could change the audience's emotional response.
• Exploring Different Emotional Notes: Goldblum, a nuanced actor, might suggest exploring the different emotional notes within the horrifying context; perhaps allowing for a moment of bittersweet understanding before the ultimate tragedy.

The Enduring Legacy of The Fly's Controversial Conclusion

The Fly's ending, however shocking, has had a profound and lasting impact on cinema.

Critical Reception and Fan Theories:

• Initial Reactions: Critical responses to The Fly were mixed, with some praising its originality and others criticizing its graphic nature. The ending itself sparked considerable debate.
• Enduring Discussions: The ending continues to be discussed and analyzed, inspiring countless fan theories and interpretations about Brundle's final moments and the film's deeper meaning.
• Influence on Horror and Sci-Fi: The film's influence on the horror and science fiction genres is undeniable, with its imagery and themes appearing in countless subsequent films.

The Importance of Ambiguity in Horror:

The unsettling ambiguity of The Fly's ending is key to its lasting power.

• Unanswered Questions: The film's deliberate ambiguity, the unanswered questions about Brundle's final moments, contribute to its lasting impact. The lack of closure forces viewers to grapple with the horror long after the film ends.
• The Power of Suggestion: The unsettling images and ambiguous ending create a lasting psychological impact; horror often lies more in what is suggested than explicitly shown.
• Examples in Other Films: Films like The Shining and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre employ similar ambiguity to great effect, demonstrating the power of leaving some questions unanswered to heighten the sense of dread and unease.

Revisiting The Fly's Ending – A Lasting Discussion

The Fly's ending remains a powerful and unforgettable moment in cinematic history. Its impact is undeniable, its disturbing visuals and tragic narrative creating a lasting impression. While Jeff Goldblum might hypothetically suggest alterations, the original conclusion's power stems from its uncompromising depiction of scientific horror and the tragic consequences of unchecked ambition. The continuing debate surrounding The Fly's controversial ending and The Fly's unforgettable conclusion proves its enduring legacy.

What are your thoughts? Do you believe The Fly's original ending is perfect as it is, or would you suggest changes? Share your opinions and proposed alterations in the comments below! Let's continue the discussion around this iconic and unforgettable cinematic moment.