Risky Business | Director's Cut | Final Scene - Alternate Ending

Rarely is a movie made that is so in sync with the era it was made in. This film was pure 80s magic.

Who else gets chills when they hear the Tangerine Dreams melody?

I had the grand pleasure of working on this film. It was hard many days of night filming but the outcome was magnificent. Paul Brickmann and Jon Avnet both became friends of mine after this movie and I worked with them both again.

This ending is very powerful. I like how he bikes to see her after he gets kicked out of school and breaks down in her arms. She hugs him. In the final scene he hugs her back. Those two scenes are my favorite.

Beautiful ending. Stunning music. Stunning movie. Rebecca DeMornay is on fire. Her distant stare after Joel asks her about a setup is amazing. A beautiful scene.

This alternate (though apparently original) ending is more mature and artistic than the theatrical version. I can see why Hollywood wanted the "cute" ending that they ultimately used; it's more upbeat and therefore more appealing to the main intended audience of teens. Also, the mature ending is at odds with the mostly light-hearted comedic touch of the overall movie. But it's very interesting anyway. It changes the movie quite a lot, to one where Joel becomes very mature, very wise in a hurry, and shows genuine sympathy for Lana. But he also does not trust her, and probably doesn't see her as being part of his future. So the long hug can be interpreted as a "goodbye", with very deep feeling. Possibly another reason why the alternate ending is "wrong" though, is that a high school senior would be unlikely to have the maturity and wisdom suggested in this scene. But it's possible, perhaps. It does make RB into a different film, and both endings can be enjoyed by people of various ages. It's especially satisfying to see the theatrical version when you are young, and then the "alternate" one when you are older.

Tangerine Dream did such an amazing soundtrack, reminds me of my youth.

This ending really completes the movie!

There was something magical about this movie. The reality is, he is going to go on to be successful, like the man eating behind him. Lana, on the other hand says, “we’re both going to hit a big “, but the audience knows she’s probably headed for a life of despair.

I remember watching this movie while i was a Junior at College wondering what would i become. 30 years later, i am stuck in the rat race. Enjoy your youth Kids and every now and then say what the fuck. Take some chaces. Make your move

😍 Rebecca De Mornay was looking good in this.

They're at the departure gate, headed for Cloud Nine. But it is only Joel who has the ticket. This is a moment of fresh starts and youthful optimism. We're pretty sure about Joel, but Lana's future is unclear. Joel knows it was a set-up, but he just had to ask. Anyway, that's by the by for him. He's about to set-off for Princeton, and he's literally on top of the world. He got in thanks to Lana, and she got away from Guido's control thanks to him. Although it was pretend love, they still feel a certain camaraderie. Protective Joel wants to show Lana a bit of warmth and tenderness, before sending her back down into that chilly, uncertain world.

Thank you for posting this. Not only is it great to see where this last scene was filmed (Signature Room in the John Hancock Tower) but it provides another interesting perspective on their relationship. People laugh at me when I say that this was more than just some "coming of age" movie. There are a lot of subtle insights about human nature, trust and business.

TANGERINE DREAM.......There is NO substitute. 😎

God that soundtrack gives me the chills

80s movies are the best!!!!

Haven’t seen in decades, but do recall “We’re being chased by Guido, the killer pimp...” don’t remember what I had for breakfast this morning but I remember that line. Jeez!

This soundtrack was ahead of it’s time.

Speaking as someone who has watched and thought about RB more than any human probably should, I'm not sure which ending works best; director's cut or theatrical cut. The closing sting in the theatrical cut is MUCH better, I think. "Time of your life, huh kid?" is not only a better line than "Ain't life grand?" but is also a nice callback to Guido's line from before. The tone of the director's cut, however, is much more consistent with the situation; two people who will likely never see each other again sharing one final evening together. Neither is a clear-cut favorite for me. Just love this movie so much. haha

This scene is certainly more heartier and more dramatic than the ending movie. Here is a more accurate answer to the difference in social strata. That, if desired, everything is possible, and this is optimistic. The invitation of the wise Joel, Lana to be closer, to sit down on his knees, expresses his forgiveness and love for her. Her response gesture, intimacy, is a recognition of her love for him. That Lana finally ceased for him to be just a "call - girl", and he is ready to pull her into her future, what she accepts. . Of course, this ending is less easy, but it should be noted that the film is not as simple and easy as it may seem. The film is deep, despite its some comedy.