In a recent episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, iconic actress Glenn Close opened up about her strong feelings toward the ending of her classic thriller, Fatal Attraction. Sitting down with host Drew Barrymore, Close candidly discussed why the film’s conclusion left her feeling “furious” and how it continues to spark conversations decades after its release.
Close, who portrayed the unforgettable Alex Forrest in the 1987 blockbuster, revealed that she was deeply invested in the complexity of her character. “Alex wasn’t a villain to me,” Close explained. “She was a deeply troubled woman who needed help. But the ending turned her into a monster, and that was heartbreaking.”
The film’s finale, which sees Alex killed in a dramatic confrontation with Michael Douglas’s character, Dan Gallagher, has been both lauded and criticized over the years. According to Close, the original ending was much more nuanced and better aligned with Alex’s psychological struggles. However, test audiences didn’t respond well to the subtler approach, leading the filmmakers to reshoot the conclusion into the now-infamous showdown.
“I fought against it,” Close admitted. “I felt like it betrayed who Alex was. Mental health wasn’t something people talked about much back then, and this was an opportunity to show her humanity. Instead, she became a caricature of a crazy ex.”
Barrymore, known for her empathetic interviews, praised Close’s honesty and reflected on how far Hollywood has come in portraying mental health issues. “Your performance was so raw and powerful,” Barrymore said. “It’s incredible how this conversation still feels so relevant.”
Close also noted that the cultural impact of Fatal Attraction cannot be denied, even if she disagreed with how it wrapped up. “It started important conversations about infidelity, obsession, and mental illness,” she said. “But I hope audiences today can look at Alex with more compassion than judgment.”
The discussion has reignited online debates about how Hollywood portrays complex female characters, with many fans applauding Close for advocating for authenticity in storytelling.
As Drew wrapped up the segment, she echoed a sentiment that many viewers likely shared: “Glenn, you’re a legend, and thank you for always challenging us to think deeper.”
It’s clear that even decades later, Fatal Attraction remains a lightning rod for discussions about gender, mental health, and storytelling in Hollywood. And with Glenn Close’s recent reflections, fans have even more reason to revisit the thriller and see it through a new lens.
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