“Death Becomes Her,” the 1992 dark comedy film directed by Robert Zemeckis, offers a satirical and thought-provoking commentary on society’s obsession with youth and beauty. The movie stars Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn as rivals who discover a potion that grants them eternal youth, leading to a series of darkly comedic and tragic events. Through its fantastical narrative, “Death Becomes Her” unveils the underlying messages about the perils of relentlessly chasing youth and beauty, ultimately advocating for self-acceptance at every stage of life.
The Illusion of Eternal Youth
In “Death Becomes Her,” the pursuit of eternal youth is depicted as a double-edged sword. The characters’ initial enchantment with their newfound beauty quickly gives way to the harsh reality of its consequences. Their obsession leads to superficial lives, devoid of genuine connections and self-worth. The film’s portrayal of this obsession serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that the relentless pursuit of youth can lead to hollow and unfulfilled lives.
The characters’ desperate attempts to maintain their youthful appearances echo a common societal pressure: the belief that aging is something to be feared and combated at all costs. This mindset can be damaging, fostering insecurity and an endless cycle of dissatisfaction with one’s appearance.
Embracing Self-Acceptance
The true message of “Death Becomes Her” lies in the importance of self-acceptance. As we age, it’s natural to experience changes in our appearance and abilities. Embracing these changes rather than fighting them allows us to appreciate the wisdom and experiences that come with age. Self-acceptance is about recognizing our inherent worth beyond physical appearance and understanding that our value is not defined by how youthful we look.
In the context of makeup, this message becomes even more relevant. While we can analyze how our current makeup applications could be contributing to looking older than we are, makeup should primarily be seen as a tool to enhance our natural beauty and express our individuality, not as a means to turn back the clock. When used thoughtfully, makeup can boost our confidence and highlight our unique features without masking our true selves.
Makeup: A Tool, Not a Time Machine
Makeup has the power to transform, but it’s essential to remember that its primary purpose is to enhance, not deceive. Using makeup to highlight your best features and express your personality can be a powerful form of self-care and self-expression. However, when makeup is used with the sole intent of erasing signs of aging or drastically altering one’s appearance, it can reinforce negative self-perceptions and perpetuate the harmful belief that aging is undesirable.
Instead, approach makeup with a mindset of celebration and enhancement. Celebrate the natural beauty that comes with each stage of life. Use makeup to enhance your features in a way that feels authentic and empowering. For example, a touch of blush can bring a healthy glow to your cheeks, and a swipe of mascara can make your eyes appear more vibrant and awake. These small enhancements can make a big difference in how you feel about yourself without resorting to drastic measures.
Photos: Rachael Houser Photography