The Undisclosed Depth of Susan McCallister in 'Deep Blue Sea'

After hearing about the petition to change the ending of 'Deep Blue Sea,' I decided to read the original script and was surprised at how much was cut to make the final film. This article explores how the removal of key scenes and dialogue significantly diminished Susan McCallister's character and the overall quality of the story, highlighting why her character deserved a more substantial role.

The Importance of Susan McCallister’s Character

Many viewers consider 'Deep Blue Sea' a cheap popcorn flick from the 90s, but the original script reveals that Susan McCallister (played by Patricia Clarkson) could have been the core of a more emotionally engaging and well-rounded story. The script provided much depth to her character, which was cut in an effort to make the audience less sympathetic towards her.

Character Development and Relationships

Susan is one of the main characters in the story and, in the original script, she begins to develop a close relationship with Carter. This enhances the emotional stakes of the film as Carter would be deeply affected by Susan’s death. Additionally, Susan plays a crucial role in rallying the group, especially during the climax. The deleted scenes show her trying to comfort and motivate Carter, which would have added a lot of emotional weight to the story.

Deleted Scenes and Dialogue

There were numerous deleted scenes and lines that provided insight into Susan’s personality and her relationships. For example, in one scene, Janice berates Susan for what happened to Jim, even though both were equally responsible. In another deleted scene, Janice berates Susan further, but then Susan reveals that Jim was her best friend, which leads to Janice’s acceptance. These scenes might seem small in isolation but they add layers to the story and help humanize Susan.

Bonds and Emotions

There are several interactions between Susan and Carter that were cut, such as her giving Carter a scuba knife, which he uses later to save himself from a harpoon. Additionally, there is a scene where Susan comforts Carter after he expresses guilt, and she fills him with hope. These scenes are crucial in showing Susan’s supportive and compassionate nature, which would have made her death more impactful and tragic.

The Impact of Test Audiences

Test audiences wanted Susan to die, which affected the production’s decisions. In an interview, director Renny Harlin mentioned that they returned to the script to cut many scenes involving Susan. The reason was to make the audience feel less sympathetic towards her and more resigned to her fate. However, this approach made her character bland and uninteresting, which contradicts her importance in the story.

Conclusion: A Deeper Story and Character

The original script had the potential to provide a richer, more emotional experience than the theatrical cut. By including deleted scenes and lines, the story could have been more compelling and credible. It would have been a more balanced narrative where every character, including Susan, contributes to the overall emotional journey.

The test audiences' reaction is a critical point that highlights the importance of balancing emotional depth with market expectations. For 'Deep Blue Sea' to truly be judged on its merits, viewers should consider the original script and the full scope ofdeleted scenes.

It's a shame that test audiences' opinions dictated the final product. However, the script and deleted content offer a chance to reconsider the film and appreciate the depth of Susan McCallister's character.

If you're interested in exploring the original material, signing the petition might help. Even if it doesn't lead to a full release, it could spark interest in let Renny Harlin or Warner Brothers to reconsider and release more of the deleted content. Let's support efforts to bring the full film to light and appreciate the nuanced and compelling story it could be.