Drop Dead Gorgeous

| 1999

Directed by: Michael Patrick Jann

Main Plot

Drop Dead Gorgeous is a satirical mockumentary that follows a small-town beauty pageant in Minnesota. The story centers around the intense competition between local contestants as they vie for the title of Miss Teen Princess. The film captures the quirky and often absurd dynamics of the pageant world, showcasing the contestants' various backgrounds and motivations. As the competition unfolds, a series of bizarre and tragic events occur, leading to unexpected twists and darkly comedic moments. The film highlights the lengths to which the contestants will go to secure victory, revealing the cutthroat nature of beauty pageants and the impact of small-town rivalries. Through a blend of humor and social commentary, Drop Dead Gorgeous explores themes of ambition, identity, and the sometimes superficial nature of beauty and fame.

Characters

  • Kirsten Dunst plays Amber Atkins, a determined teenager competing in a beauty pageant while uncovering dark secrets in her small town.
  • Denise Richards plays Becky Leeman, a manipulative beauty pageant contestant who will stop at nothing to win, driven by her overbearing mother.
  • Ellen Barkin plays Annette Atkins, a supportive, chain-smoking mother who helps her daughter compete in a beauty pageant amidst darkly comedic chaos.

Ending Explained

In the ending of Drop Dead Gorgeous, the beauty pageant culminates in a chaotic and darkly comedic finale. As the contestants face various mishaps and tragedies throughout the competition, the tension escalates when the true nature of the events is revealed. The film's main conflict centers around the rivalry between the contestants, particularly the lengths they will go to secure victory. In the final moments, the remaining contestants showcase their talents and charm in a dramatic showdown. However, the competition takes a shocking turn when a series of accidents and sabotage lead to a dramatic and fatal conclusion for several participants. The film cleverly satirizes the obsession with beauty and the extremes individuals will go to for fame and recognition. Ultimately, the pageant concludes with an unexpected winner, highlighting the absurdity of the entire event. The resolution of the main conflict underscores the film's critique of societal pressures surrounding beauty and competition. The ending leaves viewers with a mix of dark humor and reflection on the lengths people will go to achieve their dreams, encapsulating the film's overall narrative of ambition, rivalry, and the often ridiculous nature of beauty contests.

Michael Patrick Jann Comedy Romance Thriller Kirsten Dunst Denise Richards Ellen Barkin