Death Becomes Her

Death Becomes Her

Year: 1992

Runtime: 104 min

Language: English

Director: Robert Zemeckis

FantasyHorrorComedy

Two rivals, a successful novelist and a celebrated actress, find themselves locked in a bitter feud fueled by jealousy and ambition. Their lives take a fantastical turn when they consume a magical elixir granting them eternal youth. However, their newfound immortality brings unexpected and comical consequences, forcing them to confront the challenges and absurdities of never aging, and the ultimate price of defying mortality.

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Timeline – Death Becomes Her (1992)

Trace every key event in Death Becomes Her (1992) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Madeline's Broadway Performance

In 1978, self-absorbed actress Madeline Ashton performs in a Broadway musical. This event marks the beginning of a rivalry as she invites her insecure friend, Helen Sharp, and her fiancé, plastic surgeon Ernest Menville.

1978 Broadway Theater
2

Ernest Breaks Engagement

Captivated by Madeline's charm, Ernest ends his engagement with Helen to marry Madeline instead. This decision cements the competition and jealousy between the two women for many years to come.

1978
3

Helen's Downfall

Fast forward seven years, Helen finds herself alone and struggling with weight issues in a psychiatric hospital. Overcome with bitterness, she plots revenge against Madeline, showcasing her deep emotional scars.

Psychiatric Hospital
4

Madeline and Ernest's Deteriorating Life

Another seven years later, Madeline and Ernest live a lavish yet unhappy life in Beverly Hills. Madeline is haunted by aging, while Ernest battles alcoholism and works as a mortician, reflecting their unsuccessful attempts to maintain happiness.

Beverly Hills
5

Invitation to Helen's Party

Madeline receives an invitation to a party celebrating Helen's new book. Upon attending, she is shocked to see a gorgeous fifty-year-old Helen, fueling her jealousy and insecurity regarding her own looks.

Helen's Party
6

Discovery of Lisle Von Rhuman

Desperate to reclaim her youth, Madeline visits Lisle Von Rhuman, a mysterious socialite offering a potion for eternal beauty. After consuming the potion, she regains her youthful appearance, but with a dire warning about its conditions.

Lisle's Mansion
7

Helen's Murder Scheme

Tensions escalate as Helen manipulates Ernest into conspiring to kill Madeline. This dark turn demonstrates Helen's deep-seated desire for revenge and her willingness to go to extreme lengths.

8

Madeline's Injury

Madeline is pushed down the stairs by Ernest, resulting in a broken neck yet miraculously surviving. Ernest repairs her body, revealing the twisted dynamics of their relationship and the manipulations at play.

Madeline's Home
9

Confrontation and Reconciliation

In a shocking twist, Madeline shoots Helen, who confesses to drinking the same potion. Despite the chaos and injury, the two manage to reconcile, revealing the complexities of their relationship.

10

Ernest's Dilemma

Realizing he must care for both women who are now reliant on him, Ernest is coerced into considering the potion's effects. However, he understands their selfish motivations and struggles with the morality of drinking it himself.

11

Ernest's Escape

Cornered on a rooftop, Ernest discards the potion, rejecting their manipulative intentions. He narrowly avoids death by falling into Lisle's pool, asserting his choice to live a true life rather than an immortal existence.

Rooftop
12

Trapped in Eternity

Left behind, Madeline and Helen realize they are bound to one another in a nightmarish companionship. Their dependence on each other reveals the consequences of their choices and the emptiness of their quest for immortality.

13

Ernest's Funeral

Thirty-seven years later, Madeline and Helen attend Ernest's funeral, where he is celebrated for living a full, vibrant life. They remain as grotesque figures, fully aware of their own hollow existence in stark contrast.

Funeral Home
14

Final Downfall

In a humorous yet tragic moment, an accident causes Helen to pull Madeline down a flight of stairs. Their bodies disintegrate, symbolizing the absurdity of their lives and leaving them lost in neglect and decay.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 11:31

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Death Becomes Her Summary

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Death Becomes Her Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Death Becomes Her

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Death Becomes Her

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