Winona Ryder's Film She Made to Avoid a Lawsuit: The Story Behind 'Boys'
Winona Ryder, a prominent figure in Hollywood since the 1980s, carved a niche for herself by choosing roles that were often darker and more complex than those of her peers. This made her one of the most recognizable and unique stars of her generation. Her versatility was evident in films ranging from 'Heathers' to 'The Age of Innocence,' solidifying her status as a leading actress.
Despite enjoying numerous successes and working with renowned directors like Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola, Ryder also experienced the inevitable reality of Hollywood: some films simply don't resonate with audiences. One such film was 'Boys,' a project Ryder found particularly frustrating.
The Making of 'Boys'
In the mid-1990s, Ryder was drawn to a script based on James Salter's short story 'Twenty Minutes.' She signed on to star in the film, titled 'Boys,' alongside Lukas Haas. The movie tells the story of Patty (Ryder), a young woman rescued by John (Haas), who then hides her in his boarding school dorm. A romantic relationship develops between them.
Ryder's Perspective
While Ryder delivered a commendable performance, the film was poorly received. Ryder, however, wasn't entirely surprised by this. She revealed in a 1997 interview with The Hollywood Reporter that the script she initially agreed to was significantly different from the final version used in the movie. According to various sources, the movie was made to avoid being sued for breach of contract after Ryder tried to pull out of it.
The experience highlights the challenges actors face in the film industry, where creative visions can change drastically during production, sometimes leading to disappointing results despite the best efforts of those involved.