Well, there are two versions of this film in existence: The theatrical version, in which the Ashton Kutcher character survives, and the director's cut, in which Kutcher... doesn't. I have the DVD, so I didn't watch Film 4's print, so which one did they use?
The directors really prefer the one in which Kutcher zaps himself out of existence, though a 'happier' ending was imposed on the theatrical print. I have the US DVD, which contains both edits, though I'm not sure if this was carried over to the UK release. Could anyone possibly confirm?
As for editing, I doubt the film was cut for any reason, given that it was broadcast after the watershed (where it belongs - this movie is very heavy in places!). It just depends on which version was screened, and which version you're used to seeing.
The only version I saw was the one where he kills himself in his mum's womb. However, the version I saw on FilmFour was very different! Half of the scenes in the prison were cut out completely. There were various other edits too that I can't remember right now.
But the ending surprised me. It was all happy. Everyone got a happy ending and Kutcher was alive and well and had a job in the city. It didn't fit in with the rest of the film at all and just had that feeling of them being forced to write a happy ending Not sure whether that was actually the case or not, but it came across like that!
Aha! In that case, it's clear Film 4 went with the theatrical print.
Apparently, the UK DVD contains only the much superior (IMO) director's cut with the not-so-happy ending, so it's a surprise to find Film 4 going with the 'lesser' version.
Still an extraordinary film, whichever version you happen to see...
Not sure whether that was actually the case or not, but it came across like that!
