Why Do Some Movies Have Deleted Scenes? The Common Practice Behind Hollywood’s Final Cuts

When you watch a movie, it's likely that you've noticed some scenes that, while they seemed promising or even perfect on paper, were not included in the final cut. This phenomenon, which is more common than you might think, is the result of the post-production process in Hollywood. This article explores the reasons behind the deletion of scenes, from the director's vision to external influences, and why these cuts are a fundamental part of the filmmaking process.

The Role of Editing in Movie Production

Editing is a crucial step in the filmmaking process, often carried out by the director or an editor they have chosen to work with. Whether a scene is cut because it doesn't fit the overall narrative or because it extends the runtime beyond the producer's expectations, the goal is always to produce the best possible final product. In most cases, the decision to cut a scene is made by the director, as the film is a reflection of their vision.

Common Reasons for Deletes

“It just didn’t work out as expected”: Sometimes, a scene may look great in the script or storyboard, but it doesn’t function as well in the context of the film. “It was a good shot but added nothing to the story”: A scene might be visually impressive, but if it doesn’t contribute to the plot or character development, it is often removed. “The story is better without this scene”: Certain scenes may contradict the director's vision or feel redundant, so they are deleted to streamline the narrative. “This film wasn’t supposed to be six hours long…”: Long films can be difficult to market and some scenes might be cut to maintain a more manageable runtime.

External Factors and Influences

There are times when outside influences force the editing process. Producers, studios, censors, and other external parties can request or mandate changes to the film. One prime example is the infamous cut of Terry Gilliam's "Brazil," which underwent significant alteration to meet the demands of the American market. Such changes are rare but do occur, often to meet compliance standards or to appeal to specific market segments.

Notable Examples of Hollywood Edits

Let's explore some examples of movies that had scenes deleted to meet different criteria.

British Hammer Studios: "Not Suitable for Children" Editions

Hammer Studios, known for their erotic content, produced films that often had scenes cut to meet American censors. An example is "Beastmaster," which had scenes of female nudity and simulated sex edited out for American audiences. The U.S. market was particularly restrictive regarding nudity and explicit content, prompting significant deletions.

Disney's Intervention

Disney's involvement in the editing process can sometimes lead to significant changes, especially in animated films. In the case of "Toy Story," the film had a notorious redo, involving another writer and major rewrites. This intervention was necessary due to Disney's concerns about the first cut of the film.

Other Notable Movies with Edited Scenes

“Airplane!”: This movie had different versions, with nudity and profanity edits for broadcasting versus theatrical release. “Coming to America”: Similarly, this film had network and theatrical versions with different levels of content. “Roadhouse”: This film had edits for differences in distribution markets.

These examples show how various films have been altered to suit different audiences or market demands. The theatrical version typically contains more explicit content, while network versions might be more family-friendly.

Conclusion

The deletion of scenes in movies is a common and necessary part of the filmmaking process. It helps streamline narratives, tighten runtimes, and cater to different markets. Whether it's the director's vision or external factors, these edits ensure that the final product is the best it can be. Understanding why scenes are deleted can provide fascinating insights into the filmmaking process and the challenges faced by directors and studios in bringing their vision to life.