Did Dexter Reed Have a Gun?
Introduction
Dexter Reed is a character from the classic 1985 film "The Goonies", a beloved adventure movie about a group of kids who embark on a treasure hunt to save their homes from being demolished. One of the most iconic scenes from the movie is when the character, played by Sean Astin, pulls out a gun to defend his friends. But did he really have a gun in the first place? Let’s dive into the history of the film and uncover the truth.
What’s the Controversy?
The controversy surrounding Dexter Reed’s gun in "The Goonies" began when the movie was released in 1985. Some viewers felt that the scene where Dexter pulls out a gun was inappropriate for a children’s film. The scene has since become a topic of debate among fans and has sparked questions about the authenticity of the gun.
The Original Script
To understand the controversy, we need to look at the original script of "The Goonies". According to the script, Dexter Reed was never supposed to have a gun. The scene where he pulls out a gun was not in the original script, and it was added in post-production.
Who Added the Gun?
The person responsible for adding the gun to the scene was Richard Donner, the director of "The Goonies". Donner has stated that he added the gun to make the scene more dramatic and to emphasize the urgency of the situation. However, this decision has been met with criticism over the years, with many fans feeling that it detracts from the overall message of the film.
What’s the Scene About?
The scene in question takes place towards the end of the film, when the Goonies are trying to escape from the Fratellis’ hideout. Dexter, who has been captured by the Fratellis, is rescued by his friends and he pulls out a gun to defend them. However, the gun is not shown in close-up and it’s not clear whether it’s a real or toy gun.
Did Dexter Really Have a Gun?
So, did Dexter Reed really have a gun in the movie? According to the film’s production team, Dexter’s gun was a prop and not a real gun. The prop gun was added to the scene to make it look like Dexter was armed, but it was not intended to be a realistic representation.
Table: The Different Versions of the Scene
| Version | Description |
|---|---|
| Original Script | Dexter Reed does not have a gun |
| Richard Donner’s Version | Dexter Reed pulls out a gun (added in post-production) |
| Final Cut | The gun is shown but not in close-up (final version of the film) |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Dexter Reed does pull out a gun in the movie "The Goonies", it was not part of the original script and was added by the director in post-production. Despite the controversy surrounding the scene, it remains one of the most iconic moments in the film. Ultimately, the question of whether Dexter really had a gun is a matter of interpretation, but it’s clear that the scene has sparked a lot of debate and discussion among fans.
Additional Information
- Sean Astin, the actor who played Dexter Reed, has stated that he didn’t think the gun scene was necessary and that it detracted from the overall message of the film.
- Richard Donner has defended his decision to add the gun, stating that it added to the tension and urgency of the scene.
- The film’s producer, Steven Spielberg, has stated that he was not happy with the gun scene and that it was not part of his original vision for the film.
Recommendation
If you’re a fan of "The Goonies" or are interested in learning more about the film’s history, I recommend watching the documentary "The Goonies: The Quest" which provides an in-depth look at the making of the film and the controversies surrounding it.
