The Majestic Differences: Why Directors Cut Films Often Outshine Their Theatrical Counterparts

When a movie director leaves behind scenes that do not make it to the theatrical release, it often results in a film that is more complete, complex, and thought-provoking. Take, for example, the case of The Abyss and Aliens. These films, among others, have directors who made choices to enhance their vision beyond what was featured in the theatrical release.

James Cameron's The Abyss (1989): A 3-Hour Spectacle Left on the Cutting Room Floor

Recently, watching The Abyss again, I was struck by the massive differences between the theatrical release and the director's cut. The directors cut of The Abyss runs about three hours long, and the additional scenes are not minor additions like extra dialogue or character development. Instead, these scenes are pivotal moments that would typically appear in the middle of a trailer, just as the excitement is building. These scenes include epic action sequences, grandiose sets, and even somerides that were ultimately left untouched in the final cut. Watching the directors cut was a revelation, and seeing just how much had been cut away was both surprising and disappointing.

Aliens: A Deeper Connection Through Subplots

Another film that saw significant changes between its theatrical release and the directors cut is Aliens. In the theatrical version of Aliens, Ripley's relationship with Newt is a pivotal part of the story. However, the full subplot about Ripley's daughter adds another layer of understanding to Ripley's maternal behavior towards Newt. This subplot helps to explain her deeper motivations and background, which significantly enhances the overall narrative. Finding out more about Ripley's past through the directors cut takes the character development to another level.

Kingdom of Heaven: Excised Subplots and Character Motivations

Kingdom of Heaven is another example where the excised subplots are essential to the full character arcs. The theatrical release did not include several key subplots that significantly motivated and developed some characters. Watching the directors cut of Kingdom of Heaven revealed these hidden gems, making the characters more-rounded and their actions more understandable.

The Abyss and Margaret: Other Films with Major Post-Release Edits

Margaret, directed by Kenneth Lonergan in 2011, is another interesting case study. There are three distinct versions of this film, each cut to different lengths and with different levels of studio interference. The studio cut runs at 150 minutes, while Lonergan's original cut is three hours long. The third version, made in response to a lawsuit, is even shorter. Each of these cuts offers a different perspective on the film, but the longer cuts provide a more thorough and nuanced portrayal of the characters.

Alien 3: The Special Edition as an Assembly Cut

A fascinating example is Alien 3, especially its special edition. The theatrical release of Alien 3 is often criticized for being a mess, and the special edition is no exception. However, the special edition does serve as a glorious mess, meticulously restoring and enhancing several key elements of the film. The special edition is 30 minutes longer, providing a more coherent narrative, particularly regarding the gestation of the Alien and the fates of the prisoners. The special edition also includes a beautifully crafted opening sequence and a more satisfactorily resolved story arc. It is a testament to the fact that the journey of a film, from its inception to its final release, can be a complex and fascinating process with multiple cuts and directorial choices.

Conclusion

From The Abyss and Aliens to Kingdom of Heaven and Margaret, directors often make significant edits to their films after the theatrical release. These post-release edits often add depth, complexity, and completeness to the story, enhancing the overall viewing experience. While maintaining a film's pacing and coherence is essential, the additional scenes and subplots often provide a richer, more profound understanding of the characters and the world they inhabit.