Why Catherine O’Hara’s Character Was Severely Underused in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice!

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Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Be-ah, ha, ha, I got you.

However, today’s discussion revolves around the subject of “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice” as I feel compelled to express some thoughts on it.

I’m the type who adores a wide variety of films, ranging from top-notch romantic comedies to spine-tingling horrors, and everything in between. However, if you’re curious about my favorite kind of movie, it’s those that straddle the line between a fantastic horror-comedy and a delightful family film, much like “Beetlejuice” – a movie I believe anyone would find enjoyable.

To put things straight, there’s one point concerning the movie “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” that has been bothering me, and it might seem quite absurd to you. But despite that, I feel compelled to share my thoughts on this matter, so here goes.

The Entire Movie Is Still Fun To Me

I want to say that overall, I really did enjoy Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.

The initial movie held a significant role in my upbringing, and though I sometimes ponder over the suitability of watching Beetlejuice at a young age, I must admit it’s an exceptional film. The sequel was equally enjoyable.

(Alternatively)

Growing up, the first movie was like a second home to me, and even though I occasionally wonder about the appropriateness of watching Beetlejuice back then, it remains an outstanding film. The sequel also turned out to be quite entertaining.

Was it destined to be on par with the initial release? Absolutely not. It’s quite unusual for a film to equal or even surpass the quality of its predecessor. In fact, instances where the sequel matches or exceeds the original are very scarce.

Regardless of other considerations, it’s indisputable that the movie “Beetlejuice” is a blast. From start to finish, it keeps you engaged, and while the storyline may be somewhat predictable, there are plenty of delightful aspects. The practical effects serve as an added bonus, but what truly resonates with me is revisiting Michael Keaton in his role as Betelgeuse – it feels like a warm hug for my soul.

Okay, maybe that’s speaking to some deeply-rooted issues, but either way–

Initially, I found great pleasure in watching the movie, and upon my second viewing, the enjoyment remained consistent. Yet, there’s a single element that has left me somewhat irritated – something I can’t help but wish they had approached differently.

But I’m Really Upset We Didn’t See Catherine O’Hara’s Character Much More

Why wasn’t Catherine O’Hara in here way more? Like way more?

Back in the vibrant ’80s, stepping onto the silver screen for the first time as Beetlejuice’s Delia Deetz was a significant milestone for a young actress like Geena Davis. Prior to this, her filmography was relatively sparse, but with this breakthrough performance, she truly made her mark. This role catapulted her into the realm of comedic royalty in cinema, even though she had already tasted success on television for quite some time beforehand.

From there, it’s common to spot her in numerous films. If you’re similar to me, you run into her annually when revisiting the Home Alone series and chuckle every time she yells “KEVIN!” at full volume. However, to many others, she has transcended into an icon, a living legend. To some, she is recognized as Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas, a cherished Halloween/Christmas movie for me. Alternatively, you might recognize her from the Schitt’s Creek cast, a role that garnered her an Emmy. Or perhaps you are familiar with her from her recent stint on HBO’s The Last of Us, which I find delightful.

Regardless of the choice, it’s always Catherine O’Hara. Her midas touch is undeniable, making her work shine brightly. Thus, it leaves me puzzled about why she wasn’t utilized more extensively in this movie.

As a film critic, I must admit that Delia’s character stood out as one of those roles perfectly suited to O’Hara’s unique acting prowess. The initial hour of the movie was a riot, with Delia stealing the show and leaving us in stitches. However, the script took an unexpected turn when—spoiler alert—her character met an untimely end due to her own misfortune, leaving me wishing for more of her charm on screen.

Although it’s plausible for the character to act that way in the story, there aren’t too many instances where she appears. We do catch glimpses of her at the end of the movie, as she bids farewell to Lydia and others before entering the afterlife to reunite with her husband. However, we don’t get to witness many humorous scenes involving her in the afterlife.

Aside From The Themes Of The Film, There Was So Much We Could Have Explored

If Delia were featured way more in the afterlife, we could have had some hilarious moments.

To be honest, it would have been wonderful to witness more interactions between her and Betelgeuse, as I believe their comedic talents would have complemented each other beautifully. Unfortunately, they seldom share scenes together, except for a brief encounter at the end.

It might have been amusing to catch a glimpse of Delia’s journey through the afterlife, comically speaking. Somehow, Tim Burton manages to bring an unusual perspective to the unexpected in his films, and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is no exception. I have no doubt he would have found a way to make it work.

This version retains the original meaning and tone while striving for clarity and readability.

However, for the majority of the film, she primarily stays seated in the waiting area. It’s not until later that things start moving forward for her character. To my mind, this is quite unfortunate because there was plenty of potential for further development.

And Her And Adult Winona Ryder Would Have Made A Great Pair

I would’ve been thrilled to witness more shared scenes between O’Hara and Ryder, as an adult, in a greater number of instances.

In the initial movie, Delia and Lydia consistently clashed, and their adult selves aren’t much different, albeit less overtly antagonistic. Still, there’s something captivating about the portrayal of a mother-daughter duo, even when it strays from typical dynamics. I believe they would have complemented each other exceptionally well on screen.

Additionally, it seems to me that Lydia’s abilities seemed significantly stronger on this occasion, potentially leading to engaging interactions or even shared experiences between her and Delia.

The whole movie essentially revolves around the theme of mothers and daughters, primarily exploring the dynamic between Lydia and her daughter, Astrid, as they work towards healing their bond.

As a film enthusiast, I must admit that the narrative could have been even more impactful if it had delved deeper into the healing journey of Lydia and Delia prior to their departure into the afterlife. By exploring this aspect, the story would have offered a more fulfilling emotional experience for viewers, allowing us to connect more deeply with the characters and their journey towards acceptance and peace.

Just a handful of additional scenes could have significantly enriched the overall development of their characters, and made Delia’s farewell more poignant. However, what we ended up with was…essentially nothing.

It’s possible that my critique of this story might be too harsh, as I feel O’Hara could have had a more significant role. I also question whether there will be another film in this series, making this potentially her last appearance in it. Since then, I’ll likely focus on the new projects she’s involved in or revisit Schitt’s Creek. That sounds like a great plan!

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2025-05-20 01:09