Home / Arts and Entertainment / Winona Ryder's 'Mermaids' Set: Cher, Directors, and Frostbite Drama
Winona Ryder's 'Mermaids' Set: Cher, Directors, and Frostbite Drama
15 Oct
Summary
- Ryder faced extreme conditions and multiple director changes during 'Mermaids' filming.
- Cher intervened to protect Ryder from directorial decisions, including suicide scenes.
- Despite production challenges, 'Mermaids' achieved box office success and forged a bond.
The making of the 1990 film 'Mermaids' was fraught with challenges for Winona Ryder. Early directorial decisions by Lasse Hallström, including a proposed suicide for Ryder's character, led to his dismissal. Frank Oz's subsequent vision for a tragic, non-comedic film was also met with resistance from Ryder and Cher, resulting in his departure.
Richard Benjamin eventually took the helm, but the production was further hampered by severe weather, forcing Ryder and Cher to film in freezing conditions for long hours. Ryder, prone to anemia, was overwhelmed by the demanding schedule and required a production postponement.
Adding to the stress, Ryder had to navigate a complex plot involving her character's sexual awakening, despite being young herself. She also expressed discomfort with the voice-over recording process, feeling overly directed. Nevertheless, Ryder earned a Golden Globe nomination for her performance.
Despite the difficult production, 'Mermaids' resonated with audiences, earning $38.9 million worldwide against a $20 million budget. The shared struggles on set also forged a significant bond between co-stars Winona Ryder and Cher.
