Jeff Goldblum recently revisited his poignant farewell scene with Judd Hirsch in *Independence Day*, experiencing it with a fresh outlook as a father 28 years later. In Roland Emmerich’s 1996 science fiction action film, Goldblum portrayed David Levinson, a satellite engineer caught in the midst of an alien invasion. Levinson embarked on a daring mission with a partner to disable the aliens’ mothership by infecting it with a computer virus, thus crippling their defenses and paving the way for a major counteroffensive.
While promoting his Netflix series, *KAOS*, Goldblum sat down with *Vanity Fair* to revisit some of the most memorable roles from his career.
During the viewing of the emotional farewell between David and his father Julius near the film’s conclusion, Goldblum was visibly moved, reflecting on the scene with newfound understanding as a parent. He also took the opportunity to commend his co-star Hirsch for his emotional performance and the cinema’s ability to deeply affect audiences. Below is Goldblum’s full reflection:
“How touching. Wow. Now that I have children myself—ages seven and nine—I can’t fathom the agony of them taking such a drastic risk and potentially having to say goodbye forever. It would be unbearable! And I suspect, though I don’t know the entire backstory, that we’ve had a strong relationship. As you know, in the movie, we’re friends, frequently play chess, and he clearly cares about me, as I do about him. It’s easy to imagine that being authentic—what a wonderful father he is. I’ve known him for years, and I absolutely adore him. It’s a tender moment, and you really got me. Why did you do that to me?”
Reflecting on Judd Hirsch, Goldblum continued, “I recall seeing him in *Ordinary People* and other works—talk about a tear-jerker. I’m easily moved, and Hirsch’s character, the therapist, has a breakthrough, cries, and it’s all very moving. In a scene, Tim Hutton’s character asks, ‘Are you my friend?’ and Hirsch responds, ‘Count on it,’ followed by a heartfelt embrace. It’s incredibly touching. I enjoy movies that bring tears. When I show films to my kids and they see me crying, they ask, ‘Dad, what’s wrong?’ And I say, ‘It’s so sad!’ So perhaps some of that emotion was at play while I was acting as if he were my father.”
Independence Day’s Underappreciated Family Drama
*Emmerich’s Family Dynamic Adds Depth to the Film*
Although *Independence Day* is largely remembered for its impressive special effects and explosive action, it also strikes an emotional chord through its characters. Despite facing criticism for recognizable archetypes, the film’s three leading characters—Levinson, Captain Hiller (Will Smith), and President Whitmore (Bill Pullman)—are portrayed with rich family lives, providing them with something to protect as the world teeters on the brink of destruction. Audiences witness these families fighting against overwhelming odds to reunite, making their ultimate happy ending all the more rewarding.
As the franchise aimed to expand, the heartfelt character interactions were somewhat neglected.
This oversight may explain why attempts to extend the franchise fell short. Despite many original cast members returning for the 2016 sequel, *Independence Day: Resurgence*, the focus shifted toward a more intricate plot. Several returning characters had diminished roles or were omitted entirely. For instance, Smith’s Hiller and Margaret Colin’s Constance Spano were unceremoniously written off between films, while Jasmine (Vivica A. Fox) only shared brief moments with her son, Dylan (Jessie T. Usher), before her untimely demise. The franchise’s ambition overshadowed the simpler yet heartfelt character dynamics.
Although *Independence Day* is celebrated as an entertaining film, Goldblum’s deeply emotional response might surprise some, as it’s not the typical association with the movie. His introspection beautifully illustrates how even familiar, straightforward characters can leave a significant impact on audiences. This renewed perspective is likely to enhance appreciation for the film in the future.
Source: *Vanity Fair*
Independence Day
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Roland Emmerich's iconic 1996 sci-fi disaster movie Independence Day chronicles the attack of a hostile race of aliens against planet Earth. When extraterrestrial aircraft occupy Earth without warning, the forces of humanity quickly band together to stop them. At the behest of President Thomas J. Whitmore (Bill Pullman), US Marine pilot Captain Steven Hiller (Will Smith) and satellite engineer David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum) organize humanity's last-ditch counterattack against the technologically-advanced alien mothership.
