MovieChat Forums > The Stepford Wives (1975) Discussion > How much of the script did Bryan Forbes ...

How much of the script did Bryan Forbes change?


I've read and heard a lot about Goldamn disowning the film and saying that his script had been completely reworked by the director, but I never read any specific examples (other than the wives' costumes changed). Bryan Forbes also said he had toned down the original script's ending, which according to him was "too horrific." I kind of find it hard to imagine a more terrifying ending than the one shot. What did the original ending have? A more brutal death scene for Joanna? Did Bobbie stab her death like in the original novel? And what exactly were the other script changes? Anyone know?

reply

I never heard about script problems. The only story I heard was that Goldman was butthurt about Forbes casting his own wife and she suggested the costume change. Goldman thought the film too prudish. But it makes me wonder if he even understand how subversive Forbes made the film.

The bunny wear is worn by the wives BEFORE the change. Look at the all the short shorts, halter tops and other body conscious clothing that the wives wear pre-change. Forbes was saying that this horror is not about physical attractiveness or husbands wanting scanty clothing. It is about control over their minds.

Look at the neo-victorian wear the Stepford MKULTA wives wear. It is more suggestive than we give it credit. The dresses are low cut or form fitting. I mean, Forbes even films his wife's backside for an extended time, the dress makes it more voyeuristic.

I agree I thought the film's ending was horrific. The book itself never portrays what happens to Joanna. There is never any confirmation that we are seeing robots involved.

As of now, I'm of the mind that the wives are not killed. They experience much worse, they spend six months or more at the Men's Association being tortured and brainwashed. The robots are merely placeholders.

reply

https://www.datalounge.com/thread/19475739-most-perplexing-wtf-movie-casting-of-all-times-

[R141]- Same type of thing happened in The Stepford Wives. Bryan Forbes wanted his wife, Nanette Newman in one of the roles but it threw off the whole concept of the storyline - men getting Playboy-bunny type wives. They couldn't dress Newman as that, so then all of the wives had to be dressed like they were on their way to an 18th century tea party. Hats, white gloves and long skirts. William Goldman explained how it destroyed the whole concept of how men would voluntary trade in their real wives for something sexier.

—Anonymous

reply 371 2 hours ago

reply

Not sure about who changed what, but the script I own has Joanna killing Walter with the poker and Dale Coba ending up as her husband at the end. Im glad Walter got it, but I hate that "Dis" ended up with Joanna, who despised him.

reply