Test Screenings That Rewrote Blockbusters
Sometimes, the audience knows best: how early reactions can save—or sink—a film.
The Unseen Influence: How Audiences Shape Films
Before a major Hollywood film hits theaters, it often undergoes a crucial, yet often unseen, process: the test screening. These early viewings, where a select audience watches a rough cut of the film and provides feedback, can be a filmmaker’s best friend or worst nightmare. A positive reaction can confirm a director’s vision, while a negative one can trigger extensive reshoots, re-edits, and even entirely new endings. While controversial among some purists who believe it stifles artistic integrity, test screenings have undeniably played a pivotal role in shaping countless blockbusters, turning potential flops into hits and refining good films into great ones. This article delves into eight fascinating instances where audience feedback in test screenings dramatically altered the fate and final cuts of major Hollywood films, proving that sometimes, the audience truly does know best.
1. ‘Fatal Attraction’ (1987): The Ending That Had to Change
The original ending of ‘Fatal Attraction’ saw Alex Forrest (Glenn Close) commit suicide, framing Dan Gallagher (Michael Douglas) for her murder. Test audiences, however, were outraged. They felt Alex, the antagonist, got off too easily and demanded a more definitive, punitive resolution. As a result, the studio ordered reshoots, leading to the now-iconic ending where Alex is killed by Dan’s wife, Beth (Anne Archer), in a violent confrontation. This change not only satisfied audience demand for justice but also contributed to the film’s massive box office success and cultural impact, solidifying its place as a classic thriller.
2. ‘Pretty Woman’ (1990): From Dark Drama to Romantic Comedy
Believe it or not, ‘Pretty Woman’ was originally conceived as a much darker, grittier drama titled ‘3000,’ with a far less romantic ending. In the initial script, Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts) was a drug addict, and Edward Lewis (Richard Gere) left her on the street after a week, with no happy ever after. Test audiences found this version too bleak and unlikable. The studio, recognizing the chemistry between Roberts and Gere, pushed for significant rewrites and reshoots, transforming it into the beloved romantic comedy we know today. This drastic shift, driven by audience desire for a feel-good story, turned a potential niche drama into a global phenomenon.
3. ‘Blade Runner’ (1982): The Voice-Over and Happy Ending
As mentioned in a previous article, Ridley Scott’s original cut of ‘Blade Runner’ was too ambiguous and bleak for studio executives and test audiences. The initial screenings were met with confusion and negative reactions. To make the film more palatable, Warner Bros. insisted on adding a clunky voice-over narration by Harrison Ford and a forced “happy ending” where Deckard and Rachael drive off into a sunlit landscape. While these changes were later reversed in the Director’s Cut and Final Cut, they were a direct result of test audience feedback and studio fears of commercial failure, highlighting the tension between artistic vision and market demands.
4. ‘First Blood’ (1982): Rambo’s Original Demise
In the original cut of ‘First Blood,’ John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) dies at the end, killed by Colonel Trautman (Richard Crenna). This ending, faithful to the novel, was deemed too depressing and unsatisfying by test audiences. They wanted Rambo to survive. The studio agreed, and a new ending was shot where Rambo is arrested instead. This change was crucial to the film’s success and paved the way for the hugely popular Rambo franchise, demonstrating how audience preference for a heroic survivor can override a darker, more literary conclusion.
5. ‘Léon: The Professional’ (1994): The Controversial Cuts
Luc Besson’s ‘Léon: The Professional’ faced significant issues with American test audiences due to the perceived inappropriate relationship between the hitman Léon (Jean Reno) and his young protégé Mathilda (Natalie Portman). Test audiences reacted negatively to scenes that suggested a romantic or sexual undertone. As a result, Besson was forced to cut approximately 25 minutes from the film for its U.S. release, primarily scenes that deepened the bond between the two characters. The longer, original version, known as the “International Version” or “Director’s Cut,” is now widely preferred by critics and fans, highlighting how test screenings can sometimes lead to a compromised artistic vision.
6. ‘Brazil’ (1985): The Battle for the Happy Ending
Terry Gilliam’s dystopian masterpiece ‘Brazil’ famously underwent a brutal battle with Universal Pictures due to negative test screenings. Studio executive Sid Sheinberg demanded a more conventional, happy ending, believing the original was too dark and confusing. This led to Gilliam’s public protest and the creation of the infamous “Love Conquers All” cut by the studio. While Gilliam eventually won the right to release his preferred version, the saga of ‘Brazil’ remains a powerful example of how test screenings can ignite intense conflicts between filmmakers and studios over creative control.
7. ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ (1986): The Devastating Original Ending
The musical film adaptation of ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ originally ended much like the stage play: Seymour (Rick Moranis) and Audrey (Ellen Greene) are eaten by the giant plant Audrey II, which then spawns more plants that take over the world. Test audiences, however, hated this dark, nihilistic ending. They had invested in the characters and wanted a happy resolution. The studio spent an additional $5 million on reshoots to create a new, upbeat ending where Seymour defeats Audrey II, saves Audrey, and they live happily ever after. This change was crucial for the film’s commercial success, proving that for certain genres, audience satisfaction with the ending is paramount.
8. ‘Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story’ (2004): The Underdog Wins
In the original cut of ‘Dodgeball,’ the underdog team, Average Joe’s, loses the final dodgeball match. Test audiences were reportedly very unhappy with this outcome, feeling it betrayed the spirit of the underdog story. The filmmakers quickly reshot the ending, allowing Average Joe’s to win the championship. This change, while seemingly minor, was critical for the film’s comedic and emotional impact, reinforcing the feel-good message that audiences expected from a sports comedy. It’s a clear example of how test screenings can ensure a film delivers on its genre promises.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the famous line “You talking to me?” from ‘Taxi Driver’ (1976) was largely improvised by Robert De Niro? Director Martin Scorsese had simply told him to talk to himself in the mirror, and De Niro came up with the iconic dialogue on the spot. This moment, while not a direct result of a test screening, highlights the organic, unpredictable nature of filmmaking and how some of the most memorable moments can arise from creative spontaneity.
Summary and Takeaways
Test screenings are a double-edged sword in Hollywood. While they can be a valuable tool for gauging audience reaction and refining a film, they can also lead to creative compromises and the dilution of a director’s original vision. The stories above demonstrate the profound impact these early viewings can have, from completely rewriting endings and changing genres to sparking heated battles over artistic control. Ultimately, they underscore the complex interplay between art, commerce, and audience expectations in the creation of a blockbuster. Whether for better or worse, test screenings remain an integral, and often decisive, part of the filmmaking process.