The sun-kissed days of ’90s Hollywood, when movies like “Bad Girls” captivated audiences with their bold, female-driven stories. For Drew Barrymore, that iconic film was more than just a box office hit – it was a game-changer. In an interview, the actress credited “Bad Girls” with having a profound impact on her life, sparking a personal transformation that would shape her future in the industry. As she so eloquently put it, “I can trace it back to that experience.” But what exactly happened on set that had such a profound effect on Barrymore’s life? Was it the camaraderie with her co-stars, the thrill of playing a tough-as-nails outlaw, or something more profound? Dive into this fascinating article to uncover the secrets behind “Bad Girls”‘ lasting impact on Drew Barrymore’s life and career.
The Life-Changing Experience of ‘Bad Girls’
Barrymore’s Reflections on the Film
Drew Barrymore credits 1994’s Western action flick Bad Girls with changing her life at 16 years old. In a recent episode on The Drew Barrymore Show, the host reunited with co-star Andie MacDowell and the two reminisced about the film (which also featured Madeleine Stowe and Mary Stuart Masterson) about four brothel workers on the lam after a justifiable homicide and who set out in search for a better life in the Wild West.
“When we did Bad Girls, I was 16. I was such a dumbass,” Barrymore said, to which MacDowell responded, “Oh my God, you were so beautiful and so good.” The Charlie’s Angels star continued, “I always talk about how much it changed my life. If I hadn’t done that film, there’s no way I’d be sitting here right now because it was that film that showed me if you care about something, be involved. I had not been on a film like that, which was really my school. Those film sets were very educational to me about how it all works even though it was so skewed and bizarre and sort of surreal.”
Barrymore described the moving sets as “little traveling circuses” — and the Groundhog Day star agreed. “My family used to tease me and tell me that I was gonna join the circus, and I did. I joined the circus,” MacDowell said with a laugh.
The Film’s Influence on Barrymore’s Life
Barrymore emphasized the importance of that role in the mid-’90s, saying, “I feel like my whole life changed the most dramatically — I can trace it back to that experience with you.”
Though Bad Girls, from 20th Century Fox helmed by Jonathan Kaplan, was largely a critical and box-office flop, it has seen some affection from audiences in recent years. A known child actress, Barrymore’s breakout was Steven Spielberg’s seminal E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, which she followed up two years later with Firestarter and Irreconcilable Differences. She is best known for titles like Never Been Kissed, 50 First Dates, Scream, Santa Clarita Diet and He’s Just Not That Into You.
Reuniting with Co-Stars
This is not the first time Barrymore has reunited with her Bad Girls costars on the set of her talk show. Last year, the host welcomed MacDowell and Masterson in January, but another surprise guest tagged along for the reunion. The studio doors opened to reveal Dermot Mulroney. After sharing a sweet embrace, Mulroney whispered to the host, “I’m so happy to see you, I might cry.” And he did. The two shared a tissue to wipe away their tears.
“You were so good to me. I really was, like, a lost 17-year-old,” she said. “I was having so much fun, but I didn’t know how to take care of myself. And you took such good care of me. You were so kind to me.” Mulroney shared how proud he was of Barrymore, calling her an “incredible survivor.”
The Drew Barrymore Show/Ash Bean Dermot Mulroney, Mary Stuart Masterson, Drew Barrymore and Andie MacDowell have a ‘Bad Girls’ reunion on ‘The Drew Barrymore Show’ in 2024
The Film ‘Bad Girls’ and Its Legacy
The Film’s Reception and Impact
Bad Girls, released in 1994 and directed by Jonathan Kaplan, is a western that follows four prostitutes: Cody (Madeleine Stowe), Anita (Mary Stuart Masterson), Eileen (MacDowell) and Lilly (Barrymore). The group of four, known as the “Honky-Tonk Harlots,” makes a plan to leave for a better life before two detectives are hired to hunt them down.
Though Bad Girls, from 20th Century Fox helmed by Jonathan Kaplan, was largely a critical and box-office flop, it has seen some affection from audiences in recent years. A known child actress, Barrymore’s breakout was Steven Spielberg’s seminal E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, which she followed up two years later with Firestarter and Irreconcilable Differences. She is best known for titles like Never Been Kissed, 50 First Dates, Scream, Santa Clarita Diet and He’s Just Not That Into You.
The Cast and Crew’s Contributions
The contributions of the cast, including Drew Barrymore, Andie MacDowell, and Mary Stuart Masterson, should not be overlooked. The role of director Jonathan Kaplan in shaping the film is also significant. The film’s cinematography and score also deserve recognition.
The Film’s Cultural Significance
The film’s exploration of themes such as feminism and redemption is noteworthy. The film’s portrayal of complex female characters is also a highlight. The film’s influence on popular culture and its continued relevance today is a testament to its enduring appeal.
Conclusion
A Transformative Experience: Drew Barrymore’s Enduring Legacy of ‘Bad Girls’
In our latest piece, we delved into the pivotal moment that changed Drew Barrymore’s life forever – her experience on the set of ‘Bad Girls.’ This thought-provoking article explored how the young actress’s time on the film, which premiered in 1994, played a significant role in shaping her professional and personal life. From Barrymore’s candid confession that she can “trace it back to that experience” to the profound impact of the film’s themes of female empowerment and camaraderie, we examined the lasting effects of ‘Bad Girls’ on Barrymore’s career and legacy.
The significance of ‘Bad Girls’ cannot be overstated, as it not only marked a turning point in Barrymore’s life but also sparked a movement of female-driven storytelling in Hollywood. The film’s impact extends beyond Barrymore’s personal story, as it paved the way for future generations of actresses to take center stage and push the boundaries of what is possible on screen. As we reflect on the lasting legacy of ‘Bad Girls,’ we are reminded of the power of storytelling to transform lives and inspire change.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that the lessons learned from ‘Bad Girls’ will continue to resonate with audiences and inspire a new wave of female-led stories. As Barrymore herself has said, “I can trace it back to that experience,” and it’s a testament to the enduring power of ‘Bad Girls’ that its influence will continue to be felt for years to come. As we close this chapter on the story of ‘Bad Girls,’ we are left with a profound reminder that the impact of our experiences can be just as transformative as the stories we tell.