In the annals of Hollywood history, certain titles are synonymous with \"disaster.\" This week on The Essential Cut, we’re investigating the two heavyweights of the box-office-bomb category: Elaine May’s Ishtar and Kevin Reynolds' Waterworld.
How did these films get their reputations, and more importantly, did they earn them?
The Case for Ishtar: We look at the bizarre tonal shift of a film that feels like two scripts mashed into one. From the hilarity of the suicide scene to the baffling plot point regarding Shirra’s \"disguise,\" we explore why this movie is a cult favorite for masters like Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino.
The Case for Waterworld: The production was a nightmare, but the result is a marvel of practical filmmaking. We discuss the breathtaking scale of the atoll and the scenery-chewing brilliance of Dennis Hopper. However, we have to ask: was Kevin Costner’s \"grouchy Mariner\" a bridge too far for audiences?
By the end of the hour, we reach a verdict. One of these films is a misunderstood gem, and the other is a cautionary tale. Grab your sunscreen and your life vest—it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
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