Dustin Hoffman's legendary '80s box office flop, "Ishtar," is a hidden gem of comedy that deserves a second look. While it may have been a commercial failure at the time, the film is now being recognized for its brilliant silliness and unique charm. But what led to its initial demise? And why is it now being embraced by audiences nearly four decades later? Let's take a closer look at this intriguing case study in Hollywood history.
The Making of a Flop
In the late 1980s, the film industry was a different beast. Studios were more cautious with their budgets, and the pressure to deliver blockbusters was immense. Enter David Puttnam, the newly installed CEO of Columbia Pictures, who had a reputation for being frugal and a stickler for rules. His grudge against Warren Beatty and Dustin Hoffman, two of the era's most bankable stars, may have played a role in the film's fate. Puttnam's dislike for the duo, stemming from their over-budget "Reds" and Hoffman's behavior on the set of "Agatha," could have contributed to the negative buzz surrounding "Ishtar."
Elaine May, the director, was known for her perfectionism and penchant for going over budget. Her collaboration with Beatty on "Heaven Can Wait" and "Reds" had been successful, but "Ishtar" seemed to be a step too far for some. The film's budget was a staggering $51 million, and the studio's concerns were valid. However, what they didn't anticipate was the sheer brilliance of May's vision.
A Comedy Adventure
"Ishtar" is a comedy adventure like no other. It follows the story of Chuck Clarke (Dustin Hoffman) and Lyle Rogers (Warren Beatty), two unassuming New York City songwriters who find themselves entangled in a web of CIA intrigue while on a tour of Morocco. The film's first act is a riot, with the duo's songwriting non-expertise resulting in cringe-worthy but hilarious tunes like "Dangerous Business" and "Wardrobe of Love." The genius behind these disasters, Paul Williams, has revealed that writing a terrible song is actually harder than writing a good one, adding to the film's charm.
As the story unfolds, the duo's journey takes them to Marrakesh, where they encounter the CIA, represented by the brilliant Charles Grodin. The film's climax is a hilariously chaotic desert shootout, with Grodin delivering a slow-burn performance that has earned him the admiration of Quentin Tarantino, Edgar Wright, and Lena Dunham. It's a testament to May's skill as a director that she was able to create such a memorable and entertaining sequence despite the studio's concerns.
A Triumph in Disguise
So, what went wrong with "Ishtar"? The answer lies in the studio's handling of the film's release. Columbia Pictures, under Puttnam's leadership, sabotaged the film's release, leading to a poor box office performance. The negative buzz generated by Puttnam's grudge and the studio's actions ensured that the film was seen as a flop, even before it had a chance to find its audience. This is a sad fate for a film that is now being recognized as a triumph of comedy and direction.
In my opinion, "Ishtar" is a brilliant example of how Hollywood's perception of a 'flop' can be completely wrong. The film's unique charm, hilarious moments, and memorable performances make it a must-watch for comedy enthusiasts. It's a reminder that sometimes, the films we love the most are the ones that were initially dismissed as failures. So, the next time you're feeling down, take a trip to Marrakesh with Chuck Clarke and Lyle Rogers, and let the chaos of 'Ishtar' lift your spirits.
