Ishtar vs. Waterworld
from The Screen Hoppers
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. an Up Left Media Production upleftmedia.com
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