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

Aria Freeman

6 min read

Post on May 06, 2025

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Analyzing The Fly's Original Ending: A Tragic Masterpiece?

The emotional impact of Seth Brundle's transformation and death.

The film's conclusion is profoundly unsettling. Seth Brundle's transformation into Brundlefly is a visceral depiction of metamorphosis, a horrifying descent into a grotesque parody of humanity. The film masterfully explores themes of scientific hubris, the dangers of unchecked ambition, and the ultimate cost of tampering with nature. The ending's emotional impact stems from the tragic loss of a brilliant mind, a loving partner, and ultimately, a life.

• The rapid decay and disintegration highlight the irreversible nature of Brundle's choices.
• Veronica Quaife's heartbreaking farewell emphasizes the profound loss and the ultimate futility of Seth's scientific pursuits.
• The scene's power lies in its unflinching portrayal of the horror of losing one's humanity, a key element of Cronenberg's body horror style.

Critical reception of the ending was largely positive, praising its bleak realism and powerful emotional resonance. However, some critics argued it was overly bleak, lacking a sense of catharsis or redemption. Roger Ebert, for instance, praised the film's technical aspects but noted the grimness of the ending.

The scientific plausibility (or lack thereof) of the transformation.

The Fly masterfully blends science fiction and horror. While the teleportation technology is fantastical, the depiction of Brundle's physical deterioration is shockingly realistic. The film carefully avoids explaining the exact scientific processes, instead focusing on the horrifying visual effects and the emotional toll on Brundle and those around him.

• The telepod's malfunction, a key plot point, is not explained in detail, adding to the film's mysterious and unsettling atmosphere. This ambiguity allows the audience to focus on the emotional and psychological aspects of the transformation.
• The realistic portrayal of decay, from the initial changes in Brundle's appearance to the final, horrifying state of the Brundlefly, adds to the film's disturbing power. This is a testament to Cronenberg's commitment to practical effects and his skill in creating unsettling visuals.

This blend of scientific concepts and realistic body horror is what makes The Fly's ending so unforgettable and impactful.

Hypothetical Alterations: What If Jeff Goldblum Could Rewrite The Fly's Ending?

Exploring Potential Alternative Endings: A glimmer of hope or complete despair?

Let's imagine Jeff Goldblum, known for his charismatic and often witty portrayals, could rewrite "The Fly's ending." What changes might he make? Several alternative endings come to mind:

• A Cure: Perhaps a last-minute scientific breakthrough offers a chance to reverse Brundle's transformation, creating a bittersweet, yet hopeful conclusion. This would contrast sharply with the original film's unrelenting pessimism.
• A Bittersweet Compromise: Maybe Brundle finds a way to control his transformation, maintaining some semblance of humanity while accepting his altered state. This would add a layer of complexity to the character's arc.
• Complete Transformation: Instead of a half-human, half-fly creature, Brundle might undergo a complete metamorphosis into something entirely new and unexpected, perhaps even something powerful and potentially benevolent. This would alter the horror into a more science fiction oriented ending.

Each alternative ending significantly changes the film's thematic implications. A cure would emphasize the importance of perseverance and hope, a compromise the complexities of accepting change, and a complete transformation the possibilities of evolution and adaptation.

Jeff Goldblum's Perspective: Incorporating his personality and acting style.

Considering Goldblum's comedic timing and his ability to portray both vulnerability and intelligence, it's plausible he might lean towards an ending with a touch of dark humor or unexpected optimism. Perhaps even a final, almost nonchalant acceptance of his fate, delivered with a characteristic Goldblum smirk.

• His previous roles suggest a preference for characters who retain a certain level of wit and charm even in the face of adversity.
• A more hopeful ending would not necessarily negate the film's core themes but could add another layer of complexity and nuance.

Unfortunately, direct quotes from Goldblum regarding his thoughts on "The Fly's ending" are scarce. However, based on his other interviews and acting choices, we can speculate on his potential preferences.

The Lasting Impact of The Fly's Ending and its Cultural Significance

The Fly's influence on horror and science fiction cinema.

The Fly's ending, and the film as a whole, has had a profound impact on horror and science fiction cinema. Its unflinching portrayal of body horror and its exploration of scientific hubris have influenced countless films and television shows.

• The film's blend of practical effects and psychological horror has set a standard for many filmmakers.
• The themes of scientific ambition and its potential consequences continue to resonate with audiences today, making the film's message timeless.
• The film inspired numerous works that explored similar themes, showcasing its lasting influence on the genre.

The enduring power of the Brundlefly imagery and its place in pop culture.

The image of the Brundlefly, a grotesque blend of human and insect, is instantly recognizable and has become an icon of horror cinema. Its lasting power is evident in its frequent use in memes, artwork, and other forms of popular culture.

• The Brundlefly's disturbing appearance serves as a powerful symbol of the dangers of unchecked ambition and scientific hubris.
• The symbolism of the transformation – a descent into monstrousness – continues to resonate with viewers on an emotional and psychological level.

Conclusion: Revisiting The Fly's Legacy and the Enduring Power of its Ending

This exploration of "The Fly's ending" has revealed its profound impact on cinema and popular culture. The original ending's tragic power, its scientific plausibility, and the hypothetical alterations all contribute to the film's lasting legacy. Whether you find the original ending satisfying or too bleak, its power to disturb and provoke thought is undeniable.

The enduring impact of The Fly's ending lies not just in its shocking visuals but in its exploration of universal themes—the dangers of unchecked ambition, the fragility of the human body, and the enduring power of love in the face of unimaginable horror.

What are your thoughts on "The Fly's ending"? Do you believe a different conclusion would improve the film, or does the original ending perfectly encapsulate its message? Share your ideal alternative ending in the comments below – let's start a The Fly ending debate! Let's discuss Jeff Goldblum's legacy and David Cronenberg's filmography as they relate to this iconic film and its unforgettable conclusion.