Melanie Griffith on the Set of “Something Wild” in 1986

Melanie Griffith had a particularly creative and positive experience while filming Jonathan Demme’s Something Wild (1986), in which she played the free-spirited Audrey “Lulu” Hankel opposite Jeff Daniels. Demme reportedly envisioned Griffith for the role after seeing her performance in Brian De Palma’s Body Double (1984), and she became the first actor offered the part. The production was filmed primarily between March and May 1986, with Tallahassee, Florida, and nearby locations including Quincy and Havana serving as important settings, alongside additional filming in New York and New Jersey.

The production’s relatively modest scale allowed Demme to favor spontaneity rather than extensive rehearsals and storyboards. Griffith embraced that approach and contributed ideas that helped define Lulu. Among the most recognizable elements of the character’s appearance were her short black bob, inspired by Louise Brooks, and her layers of bold, eclectic jewelry, which Griffith helped source from a New York store called Craft Caravan.

Griffith also had an informal role in the casting of Lulu’s volatile former husband. After an unsuccessful experience with another actor, she recommended Ray Liotta, whom she knew from acting class. Liotta ultimately received the part, which became a major early milestone in his film career.

Griffith later remembered the production fondly, praising Demme for giving his actors freedom to take creative risks and describing the shoot as enjoyable. Her performance earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress and helped reinvigorate her career, leading to her acclaimed role in Working Girl (1988).