The Butterfly Effect was a huge hit when it was launched in 2004, exploring controversial existential themes and delving into the world of philosophy and quantum physics to awaken the imaginations of the general public. This science fiction thriller also had a strong cast, including the likes of Ashton Kutcher, Amy Smart, and Eric Bress. The main theory behind the movie’s script was that small changes can lead to huge consequences over time. This theory is explored through the narrative of protagonist Evan Treborn (played by Kutcher). Still, there are other hidden details in the movie which might further intrigue fans. Here are just 10 of them.
How Kutcher got the lead role
It seems a succession of good looking and talented actors were in line for the prime role of Evan, the story’s protagonist. Joshua Jackson of Dawson’s Creek fame was among these, as was Josh Hartnett and Sean William Scott.
While all of these would have done well in the role, it seems the role was tailormade for Ashton Kutcher, who took to it like a fish to water and even did some background research to ensure he aced the role. He ended up coming out a little more famous and a lot more educated.
Tommy’s Antisocial Personality Disorder
Viewers would have become aware of Tommy’s strange behavior. Critics have commented the odd behaviour is possibly the result of antisocial personality disorder. It’s no wonder Kutcher studied psychology to better understand the script. It seems the movie can be appreciated on more than one level, with fans agreeing its action and plot are commendable, and academics flocking to enjoy its subtler, more meaningful nuances.
Stoltz’s Wig
Viewers don’t usually question the smaller details on movies. Many things are just taken for granted and the greater narrative can often drown out the details of the smaller stories underway. However, on closer inspection, movies like this one are full of fascinating, unbelievable snippets of backstage information. To give an example, Eric Stoltz wears a wig in the movie. In an absurd twist, this wig is made from Stoltz’s actual hair! Not a detail one could have easily guessed but something worth hearing about.
Attention To Detail
Directors of the show put an extra effort into creating a movie which has layer upon layer of intrigue. To give an example, the painting over Evan’s bed is none other than Salvador Dali’s ‘Sleep’.
Dali is one of those artists who adds a psychological edge to his works and so his world-class painting is an appropriate addition to a movie with a narrative which challenges intellects and makes thoughtful commentary on psychological and existential truths. Kudos to the production team for thinking of this one!
More than just eye candy
One could forgive female fans for believing Ashton Kutcher, star of the movie, is nothing more than eye candy. He is gorgeous and it would seem, at first glance, his kind of looks accompanied by brains and determination is wishful thinking. Still, it would seem that for Kutcher, beauty and good looks are more than skin deep.
Dedicated to acting and being a thinker, Kutcher did research on mental disorders and chaos theory before taking on the role. His research on psychology prepared him for the unique movie, and judging by his convincing presentation, it shows!
Real prisons make for realistic drama
The movie has some incredible scenes in it. Fans might wonder how the directors so successfully brought a real-life element to the filming proceedings.
Considering the apparent authenticity of the movie, it would then come as no surprise that the prison scenes in the movie were filmed inside actual prisons. These - the Washington State prisons - set the backdrop for some world-class action. What’s more, the extras for the scenes were none other than the prisoners themselves.
Those eyes…
It’s hard not to agree that Ashton Kutcher has some of the finest eyes around. Still, directors might have gone a little overboard when they went all out to match actor Logan Lerman’s eyes to Kutcher’s. Lerman played Evan (Kutcher’s character, at seven years of age) and the production team made the little guy wear specially-made contact lenses so that his eyes would be an exact match to the older character’s fine set.
Alternative endings
Fans of The Butterfly Effect probably never realized that four different endings were shot for the film. The film showcased for audiences showed an ending with Evan passing Kayleigh on the sidewalk. He sees her and recognizes her, before continuing walking. One of the alternative endings shows Evan and Kayleigh crossing paths and in keeping with the conventional ‘happy ending’ model, he then asks her out for coffee. The fourth alternative ending is completely different from these, with Evan watching a video of his own birth and coming to a new revelation of his father, who shared the same gift as him.
Thought-provoking themes
The curious title of the movie refers to a concept in Chaos Theory whereby small changes or events can cause unpredictably large changes to the timeline. As explained in the opening sequence of the movie, a butterfly flapping its wings can eventually result in a typhoon. Critics of the film weren’t initially sure this concept would wash down well with the broader public, however, the film turned out to be a box office hit - an indication that audiences were more reflective and thoughtful than Tinsel Town might have initially believed.
Burn speaks volumes
It is hard to say how long the team behind The Butterfly Effect sat down to work out the finer details on set. Still, one has to commend them on being thorough in their work. This is a fact: Evan’s cigarette burn scar is in the shape of the symbol of Chaos Theory. This is at the heart of ‘The Butterfly Effect’. How they worked that one out, it is hard to say but in ‘movie land’ even cigarette burns can speak volumes. The rest of us carry average burns but as they say, everything is bigger and better on the big screen!
