The First Wives Club: A 1996 Comedy Film Latest Updates 2023
The comedy “The First Wives Club,” which came out in 1996, is an excellent example of showing revenge and strength while being funny. Hugh Wilson directed the movie based on Olivia Goldsmith’s book of the same name.
Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, and Diane Keaton play divorced women who want to get back at their ex-husbands. It was a big surprise at the box office and gained a cult following among middle-aged women, making it a notable comedy from the 1990s.
Overview: The First Wives Club
In 1969, the movie starts at Middlebury College, where four friends, Annie, Brenda, Elise, and Cynthia, are celebrating their graduation and making a promise always to be friends. In the present day, the women have lost touch with each other but are reunited when Cynthia tragically kills herself.
Annie’s husband wants a divorce, Elise is getting older in Hollywood, and Brenda has difficulty with money after her split. The “First Wives Club” comprises women in the same situation who want to get even and gain power.
The Cast of the Film
Bette Midler plays Brenda, a brilliant Sicilian-Jewish single mother; Goldie Hawn plays Elise, an Oscar-winning actor who deals with ageism in Hollywood; and Diane Keaton plays Annie, a worried housewife with low self-esteem.
Cheers to the founding women of The First Wives Club: @BetteMidler, @goldiehawn, and @Diane_Keaton. 🥂
Don’t get mad, get everything! Happy 25th anniversary to The First Wives Club which was released in America on September 20th, 1996. pic.twitter.com/kLFFHDXR43
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) September 21, 2021
Well-known actors like Maggie Smith, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Marcia Gay Harden are in the supporting group, which gives the story more depth and humor.
Makers Team
Sherry Lansing bought the novel’s manuscript first, and then director Scott Rudin took over, wanting to make a movie about women’s empowerment instead of victimhood. The screenplay was changed many times, which gave it its tone and framework.
Many famous places in New York were used for filming, which gave the movie’s setting more realism and grandeur.
Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler and Diane Keaton head to the big screen together for the first time since the 1996 blockbuster 'The First Wives Club' https://t.co/tlDnv9Vc23
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) February 20, 2020
Reviews by Critics
The movie got mixed reviews but did well at the box office. It was called a “creepy revenge comedy” by Roger Ebert and had both serious and funny parts. He talked about how the characters interacted with each other and how well the lead actors played their roles, especially Goldie Hawn’s performance as Elise.
The Success of the Film
The movie “The First Wives Club” made over $181 million worldwide, even though it only cost $26 million. This financial success was significant, especially since the movie got mixed reviews from critics. It also helped the main actresses’ careers.
Conclusion
“The First Wives Club” is still a significant comedy classic, known for its strong message of female strength and getting even. Its mix of comedy, drama, and memorable performances from its excellent cast has made it a cult favorite, especially among women figuring out their second acts in life.
This funny movie made people think about ageism, gender roles, and personal growth. It’s a must-see for anyone who likes comedies with meaning.
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