The first time I saw this movie was during a kegger party with the varsity baseball team in High School. I was a Freshman that barely made the cut for varsity. We were on a spring break trip to a different part of the state and stayed with the families of the team we would play the next day. There were some smoking hot older (than me) girls there. The debauchery I witnessed that night, along with the movie pretty much summed up the experience of growing up in the 80's.
I had the grand pleasure of working on this film. It was hard many days of night filming but the outcome was magnificent. Paul Brickmann and Jon Avnet both became friends of mine after this movie and I worked with them both again.
I learned about this movie because of the music in the trailer "High-Rise" ("Com Truise - Data Kiss" & "Tangerine Dream - Love On A Real Train"). But for your generation "Risky Business" was probably a cult movie. Cool that you were able to take part in its shooting.
This alternate (though apparently original) ending is more mature and artistic than the theatrical version. I can see why Hollywood wanted the "cute" ending that they ultimately used; it's more upbeat and therefore more appealing to the main intended audience of teens. Also, the mature ending is at odds with the mostly light-hearted comedic touch of the overall movie. But it's very interesting anyway. It changes the movie quite a lot, to one where Joel becomes very mature, very wise in a hurry, and shows genuine sympathy for Lana. But he also does not trust her, and probably doesn't see her as being part of his future. So the long hug can be interpreted as a "goodbye", with very deep feeling. Possibly another reason why the alternate ending is "wrong" though, is that a high school senior would be unlikely to have the maturity and wisdom suggested in this scene. But it's possible, perhaps. It does make RB into a different film, and both endings can be enjoyed by people of various ages. It's especially satisfying to see the theatrical version when you are young, and then the "alternate" one when you are older.
Very well said! Measured deep analysis "from different angles". The film is really very deep, of course with some costs of naivety (but this is in the spirit of the age of the heroes of the plot). Great movie!
I think this original ending is more in line with the actual themes of the movie than the alternate ending was. The alternate ending skewed the original intent, I think, because Risky Business is is actually really cynical and much more of a critique of capitalism than a celebration of it. But the movie is upheld as a grand capitalist festival. The point may not have flown by so easily if the ending had stayed the same.
This ending shows that Joel knows he was set up, but perhaps doesn't want to believe it and is still in love with Lana...he just knows he won't see her much, if ever again. That's why the original ending is so much better than the 'fairytale' ending that made the studio cut. This is better. Darker. Grittier. More in line with the tone of the film.
Beautiful ending. Stunning music. Stunning movie. Rebecca DeMornay is on fire. Her distant stare after Joel asks her about a setup is amazing. A beautiful scene.
They're at the departure gate, headed for Cloud Nine. But it is only Joel who has the ticket. This is a moment of fresh starts and youthful optimism. We're pretty sure about Joel, but Lana's future is unclear. Joel knows it was a set-up, but he just had to ask. Anyway, that's by the by for him. He's about to set-off for Princeton, and he's literally on top of the world. He got in thanks to Lana, and she got away from Guido's control thanks to him. Although it was pretend love, they still feel a certain camaraderie. Protective Joel wants to show Lana a bit of warmth and tenderness, before sending her back down into that chilly, uncertain world.
Pretty well said. I wish there was a sequel to this movie set today just so we could peer into that world, but probably best not to, Hwood would just Eff it up.
Rebecca DeMornay's affectionate but still distant - and perhaps emotionally traumatized from being a prostitute - approach is chilling and magnificient. So perfect.
Dart Bulos, in a decade dominated by mindless “teen sex comedies”, “Risky Business “ was, by far, of the more thoughtful & original adaptations of this genre IMAO. Man, I miss the 80s...😥
I remember watching this movie while i was a Junior at College wondering what would i become. 30 years later, i am stuck in the rat race. Enjoy your youth Kids and every now and then say what the fuck. Take some chaces. Make your move
This scene is certainly more heartier and more dramatic than the ending movie. Here is a more accurate answer to the difference in social strata. That, if desired, everything is possible, and this is optimistic. The invitation of the wise Joel, Lana to be closer, to sit down on his knees, expresses his forgiveness and love for her. Her response gesture, intimacy, is a recognition of her love for him. That Lana finally ceased for him to be just a "call - girl", and he is ready to pull her into her future, what she accepts. . Of course, this ending is less easy, but it should be noted that the film is not as simple and easy as it may seem. The film is deep, despite its some comedy.
@@oliverkahn4221 ....its 'just a movie'...Some people that ; wanna throw out insult, at a female no less...Trolls, Phonys, RU-vid pimps/gangstas...lettin bitches,hoes',suckers,.know wat time it is! Thx Vdog!
Oh please, that ending is only saying: I was your scker btch when you were Guido's; now that I am on top, lie to me and tell me you will be my btch forever.
Thank you for posting this. Not only is it great to see where this last scene was filmed (Signature Room in the John Hancock Tower) but it provides another interesting perspective on their relationship. People laugh at me when I say that this was more than just some "coming of age" movie. There are a lot of subtle insights about human nature, trust and business.
Speaking as someone who has watched and thought about RB more than any human probably should, I'm not sure which ending works best; director's cut or theatrical cut. The closing sting in the theatrical cut is MUCH better, I think. "Time of your life, huh kid?" is not only a better line than "Ain't life grand?" but is also a nice callback to Guido's line from before. The tone of the director's cut, however, is much more consistent with the situation; two people who will likely never see each other again sharing one final evening together. Neither is a clear-cut favorite for me. Just love this movie so much. haha
No this ending works better. Iys at night with the beautiful city backdrop. The last final hug they'll ever have. It's so rare to see pathos and some darkness in a movie ending. And Rebecca DeMornay is on fire.
This ending is very powerful. I like how he bikes to see her after he gets kicked out of school and breaks down in her arms. She hugs him. In the final scene he hugs her back. Those two scenes are my favorite.
One of my fav lines is "Looks like University of Illinois!" I look for opportunities to use this line, when it looks like I am going to get denied something I want and want to let the other person know my attitude is it's their loss. It's completely lost on 98% but so worth it when you get that smile of recognition from one of the 2%.
While the 'old time rock and roll' heartthrob hype this film generated at the time made it dismissable, in retrospect Risky Business is not only a great film, it's a nearly art-house predecessor to the flood of 80s teen movies that would follow. John Hughes couldn't touch this.
It was a much deeper and more intriguing movie than anything in the Hughes oeuvre. It also has an ass kicking soundtrack with some deft moments from Tangerine Dream that perfectly fit their scenes. This ending would have made it perfect. 👌
CONSIDER THIS: The Art-House avant-garde trilogy of coming of ‘age’ movies....... 1. 60’s...... The Graduate 2. 80’s ...... Risky Business 3. 2000..... American Beauty Each is 20 years apart from the other, a new generation. Watch them in order and you’ll see what I’m talking about. The first is the obsession over an older woman, the second of a call girl his own age, the third a younger woman. I am amazed most people have never seen this connection.
Daniel Geary, I've read that may have been intentional/?was intentional for dichotomy Etc & Reviews that commend the Juxtaposition, i agree. Imho it Adds to the Scene with The Older Power & $ Controlling White Male & All that Type of (in)Human stand for in HeirArchy. By Far The Ending With The Most Heart❤️!
I saw this movie at the theater when it was first released. I've watched it many times since then,but I've never seen this "Director's Cut-Final Scene" Thank you for this. I thoroughly enjoyed this Alternate Ending. Especially after seeing the movie off and on the last 38 years. Rebecca De Mornay and Tom Cruise would go on to date for 2 1/2 years after making this movie together.
Still think the movie ending is better. This changes the whole complexion of the movie, much darker. With this ending, Joel is no longer a 'good son' struggling to persevere against evil forces, but has become one of those evil forces.
I also got the vibe that despite joel's good intentions he is entering the unfeeling world of capitalism as he is desperately in love with a woman who sells sex for to other people for money. I also love the play on words with the characters last name "Goodsen" of "GoodSon"
@@justmeeagainn No. Maybe it just means that the original ending maintains a 'wait and see'/'who can tell' attitude for joel, who throughout the movie, as the OP said, is navigating a dark world. But with this alternate/orig ending, Joel isn't neutral and the viewer can't assume Joel might remain the good guy he is. But...I'm just one dude talkin' on the world wide web.
@@Bakaat777 Runaway Train is a solid movie. But if you remember Eric Roberts and Jon Voight had the bulk of the best dialogue in the movie. The sadistic prison warden actually had the 3rd best performance in that movie.
@@radar0412 Yeah... and De Mornay wasn't even in the movie until the ±60 minute mark, but I wasn't saying it was her best performance, just that it was a great movie to watch her be something else, other than a seductress. I really didn't care for her performance in "Risky Business". To me it was kind of monotone and not filled with much emotion, even when screaming or arguing with Joe Pantoliano. THAT was her character... I get it. Trust me... I KNOW I'll get flamed for what I said, but it'll be from the guys who watched this with their hand on their dick. LOL - I WAS one of those guys, but I am a LOT older now, and appreciate the movie for what it was, and was not, and it was not for RDM's acting. She was a LOT more animated in "Runaway Train", and I appreciated her performance more in that movie, than RB. Peace.
This was so similar to me in High School and 4.5 years later after th Army. D as Lana is spot on. Cold, calculating, and smoking hot looks wise. Thank you D. You taught me a lesson that was hard earned but worth it.
I prefer the original theatrical ending. I like the ambiguity of the original ending; it relays the message that adult life begins when you realize that the fantasies of youth are just that. In the original ending, Lana's non-response to his last question is his true graduation into adulthood. And the original final line is a fitting call-back to Guido, reminding us that Joel's big adventure in the business of "human fulfillment", and the import lessons it taught him, was ultimately mentored by Guido.
I'm glad this was cut. This makes it seem like Joel is still a child. Relationships that start out with manipulation and lies don't get better. It's a much more satisfying, final ending if they go their separate ways.
1:32 Amazing how with a look she makes it look like she has been wronged by the accusation. She lean's back weighing it up, accepting he's not out of bounds to have some disbelief. The whole movie the gap between her and him is wealth. He has it. She wants it, without his pity. The whole scene ends up with an imitation of intimacy of her sitting on his lap (with cajoling) hugging him. Does she really care about him or is she just being a professional? Yes, no, maybe. The little smile by TC at 1:49 when she says "You don't believe me, do you?". He wants to believe her. Maybe that is enough.
I like the other ending better. This is to depressing. The other sticks to them both going on to bigger better things. The walk in the park to end it is how i prefer this masterpiece to end.
It's funny, I just recently watched this again (for the first time in a while for me). While I do like the ending the final film received, this one here has significant 'weight' to it as well. One similarity they have in common I feel is that they both end on realistic-yet-optimistic notes regarding Joel and Lana's relationship.
I like how young actors often do so well in the early years as they struggle with a role. Cruise alway tries hard but when he was younger there was something innately innocent and insecure about him. Today’s famous Cruise can’t bring that empathy out of an audience anymore. Again, he works hard but perhaps too much fame overshadows his screen image and performance. I just think his performances in some of his better work is great but I always see the star on the screen. Here I could see a teenager I could identify with. Great work.
@@cooltalktalks4944 I know what you mean, you could see this innocence in TAPS and Legend where he was on top form but then came movies like Top Gun and Cocktail where he was too arrogant and sure of himself and it was mostly down hill from thereon. But still a bankable star that makes the odd decent movie such as 'Edge of Tomorrow'. He's been there and done it all and proved himself. Will be interesting to see a very old Tom Cruise to see which roles if any he commits to (talking 70+ years old).
When this move first came out my parents were away in Cape Cod and everyone in my neighborhood was saying, "Joel's parents are going away"...(it was a wild party:)
You can tell from the X bracing peeking into frame at the right that it's the Signature Room in the John Hancock Center. Unfortunately, the restaurant ceased operations in 2023 citing severe economic hardship as the reason for the abrupt closure.
Well, it was a set up from the beginning. She catalogued the whole house the day he left her alone there. He broke even on the ripoff but he got into Princeton, which wouldn't have happened otherwise, so he still came out ahead but I don't think I'd put a lot of trust in that girl.
Actually he wound up owing Guido money. Joel only had $50 left and Guido said he’d go $350 on the egg, and Joel was good for it, right? So he didn’t break even.
Tangerine Dreams Absolutely Love them, This is the movie that I specifically bought the soundtrack because of these Hypnotic tunes, then bought all their albums same as Enigma (Sadness, Mea Culpa, Return To Innocence) Pure Moods, Yeah I was all about that type of music, then Techno Trance became my Passion
This sounds very close to the theatrical ending. She wants to keep seeing him, but he says it will cost her. Another who posted this video is calling it "the original".
"I just don't want you to get hurt." This makes me sad and I can see why they took it out, because it gives you the impression that Lana is in danger. 2:25 It wanted to end on a positive note instead. I could be completely wrong though, but that's just what I sensed from watching this scene. But I absolutely love the way he asks her to come to him, and she sits on his lap.
Well, now we know why this was an "alternate" ending. I've noticed the same thing with "alternate takes" of hit songs, there's usually a very good reason why it didn't make the final cut. Yes, no, maybe.
I don't remember the film exactly like the end, but I remember the idea of how it ended which is like this alternate piece. They didn't need this drawn out version imo.
Where are we going to be in one month, one year, ten years ~ When you come to that fork in the road, you can go left or right ~ I cut to the chase and go straight for it!!! Be optimistic and call..... Great Movie.... w/coffee
I like this ending a lot better than the "happy" ending that Brickman had to film to satisfy the studio. If it had been made today, Brinkman would have gotten his way and the darker ending would stay in.
I guess it's neat to see this alternative ending, largely due to the magnificent view through the windows, but thank God the producers stepped in. What was the point of this ending??? This scene is exactly 180 degrees away from the rest of the movie's excitement. "Isn't life grand?" - WHAT? I don't know if Brickman realized it, but his movie was excellent due to the real life humor that most can relate to in one form or another. Ironical misfortune borne out of idiotic youthful mistakes, that ultimately, created perseverance and a fighting spirit. Which sometimes, ironically, creates an opportunity. That makes this a story. Had Joel not taken a chance with Lana, and had his world not turned upside down, there was no way he was going to Princeton. And it may be that Lana has finally found someone stable who believes in her far more than an equal. As Miles said, WTF created opportunity. If Joel was not forced into action trying to get things back to normal, nothing happens. Rutherford shows up that Friday, tells Joel 'it's not quite Ivy league, is it?' and goes home. This ending is so bizarre considering the overall message of the movie, and feels more like 'we need to wrap this up' instead.
"To use and to serve Princeton and Joey". What a clever movie about school, youth, life ! I had not noticed it all at first sight. It might explain my studies were less brilliant and pleasant they could have been. I took a bad impulsion in the sarting blocks, I had to make a three years long "come back". That is the case of Joey, in fact... He has not so much intellectual inertia from his former round.
If they had used this ending the movie would not be remembered. Word of mouth about what a great movie it is would not have spread, and the world would have been robbed of a classic!
