The world of cinema often hides intriguing stories behind the scenes, and the case of the unreleased Gillespie cut for the movie “Supergirl” is a prime example. This article delves into the fascinating backstory, exploring the creative decisions, studio interventions, and the potential impact on the film’s reception.
The Jimmy Eat World Scene: A Controversial Choice
One of the most talked-about moments in “Supergirl” is the use of Kelty Greye and KidMotel’s cover of “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World during a pivotal battle scene. This musical choice has divided audiences, with many feeling it detracts from the intensity of the action. As a fan of well-executed needle drops, I find it intriguing that this decision seemingly slipped past producer James Gunn, known for his masterful music choices.
The Original Vision: Cyndi Lauper and a Longer Cut
According to a recent report, the song choice was not the only deviation from director Craig Gillespie’s original vision. The film in theaters is reportedly not Gillespie’s cut, which was twelve minutes longer and featured a different musical score, including a cover of Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.” Gillespie’s skill in curating music for his films is well-regarded, so it’s a shame that his choices were not utilized.
Studio Intervention and Testing
The report suggests that a studio cut, which tested marginally better, was ultimately chosen over Gillespie’s version. It’s interesting to consider the studio’s rationale, especially given that the differences between the cuts are not drastic. One thing is clear: the studio knew the film had issues early on, and its testing scores were comparable to another DC flop, “Shazam! Fury of the Gods.”
The Impact on the Film and Its Launch
The box office numbers speak volumes about the film’s reception, which is unfortunate given the praise it received from original Supergirl actress Helen Slater. Despite this, Milly Alcock, who portrays Supergirl, will return to the big screen next summer in “Man of Tomorrow.”
Should the Gillespie Cut See the Light of Day?
This raises an interesting question: should there be a push to release the Gillespie cut? While it’s easy to speculate about what might have been, the reality is that post-production tinkering has its limits. Reshoots and studio interventions are common, especially for big-budget films, but the impact on the final product can be significant. From my perspective, it would be fascinating to see Gillespie’s vision realized, especially given his reputation for crafting immersive cinematic experiences.
