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 financial disaster at the time, the film is now being recognized for its brilliant silliness and unique charm. But what makes 'Ishtar' so fascinating is not just its comedic value, but also the behind-the-scenes drama that led to its initial failure. In this article, I'll explore the film's enduring appeal, the factors that contributed to its initial flop, and the impact it has had on the entertainment industry. So, let's dive into the world of 'Ishtar' and uncover why it's still worth watching today.
The Birth of a Comedy
In the 1980s, Hollywood was a different place. Stars like Dustin Hoffman and Warren Beatty were household names, and their collaborations were highly anticipated events. When Beatty decided to produce Elaine May's next film, he knew he had to get Hoffman on board. The idea was simple: a 'Road to...' comedy adventure in the style of Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. But what made 'Ishtar' truly unique was its premise: an untalented New York City songwriting duo caught up in CIA shenanigans while touring Morocco. It was a risky move, but one that promised to be a blockbuster.
The Making of a Flop
However, the film's journey to the screen was not without its challenges. The newly installed CEO of Columbia Pictures, David Puttnam, was not a fan of overspending, and he held a grudge against Beatty and Hoffman. He felt that Beatty should be 'spanked in public' for going over-budget on 'Reds', and he detested Hoffman for his behavior on the set of the 1979 failure 'Agatha'. While there's no smoking gun, Beatty, Hoffman, and May all blame Puttnam for planting negative stories in the media, which mainstream shows like 'Entertainment Tonight' parroted. This went on for months, and the negative publicity followed the film throughout its production.
A Hoot of a Film
Despite the challenges, 'Ishtar' is a hoot! May hits the ground running with a first act that finds Hoffman's Chuck Clarke and Warren Beatty's Lyle Rogers combining their songwriting non-expertise to give us such cringe-inducing classics as 'Dangerous Business', 'Wardrobe of Love', and, my personal favorite, 'That a Lawnmower Can Do All That'. Paul Williams is the genius behind these disasters, and I've heard him say at Q&As that it's harder to write a terrible song than a good one. When the duo jets off to Marrakesh for a hotel residency, they encounter the CIA (represented by Charles Grodin) and a beautiful revolutionary (Isabelle Adjani). It all builds to a hilariously chaotic desert shootout during which Grodin puts on a slow-burn clinic. Quentin Tarantino, Edgar Wright, and Lena Dunham are avowed fans.
The Legacy of 'Ishtar'
While 'Ishtar' may have been a financial disaster at the time, it has since become a cult classic. The film's enduring appeal lies in its unique blend of comedy and adventure, as well as its behind-the-scenes drama. What makes 'Ishtar' truly fascinating is the way it challenges our perceptions of success and failure in the entertainment industry. It reminds us that sometimes the most successful films are the ones that defy expectations and embrace their own unique charm.
In my opinion, 'Ishtar' is a wrongly maligned triumph. It's a film that deserves to be remembered for its brilliant silliness and unique charm, rather than its initial financial failure. So, if you haven't seen 'Ishtar' yet, I highly recommend giving it a try. You may just find yourself joining the 'Ishtar' army today!
