Unveiling the Hidden Gem: The Making of Copycat (1995)
The 1990s saw the rise of some of the best psychological crime thrillers, with movies like Jacob’s Ladder, Misery, The Silence of the Lambs, The Usual Suspects, and The Game making their mark. Among these gems is the 1995 film Copycat, starring Sigourney Weaver, which often goes unnoticed despite its originality and success at the box office. Weaver's portrayal of the agoraphobic criminal profiler, Helen Hudson, has been hailed as one of her best career performances, and the film managed to exceed expectations despite facing challenges during production.
Copycat underwent significant changes during its development, with Frank Darabont brought in to rewrite scenes following the success of The Shawshank Redemption. The character of Homicide Detective M.J. Monahan, played by Holly Hunter, was originally written as a man but was later revised to be a female character. The film's original editor was replaced after a poor test screening, leading to the creation of a new ending to enhance the story.
The screenplay for Copycat was initially written by Ann Biderman and David Madsen, with English director Jon Amiel taking on the task of reworking the script. The decision to change the gender of Detective Monahan brought in uncredited script revisions by Jacqueline “Jay” Presson Allen. Sigourney Weaver's preparation for her role involved working closely with forensic expert Park Elliot Dietz, while Holly Hunter shadowed real-life LAPD detectives to prepare for her character.
Filming for Copycat took place in San Francisco, with iconic landmarks adding to the film's atmosphere. The cast, including Weaver, Hunter, and Harry Connick Jr., put in dedicated efforts to bring their characters to life. The movie's budget of $27 million allowed for a successful production, with principal photography starting in October 1994 and reshoots completed in June 1995.
The film's climax underwent significant changes, with William McNamara's character, Peter Foley, being rewritten and reshoots directed by Frank Darabont. The intense bathroom showdown scene took eight days to film, with Sigourney Weaver's stunt double sustaining an injury during the process. Despite facing challenges, Copycat was released in October 1995 and went on to achieve commercial success, grossing $79 million worldwide and earning a 76% Rotten Tomatoes score.
Copycat's enduring appeal lies in its gripping storyline, strong performances, and meticulous attention to detail. The film's resurgence in popularity through streaming platforms has allowed audiences to rediscover this hidden gem and appreciate Sigourney Weaver's exceptional portrayal of Dr. Helen Hudson.