Why Was the Movie Ishtar So Bad?

Ishtar, directed by Elaine May, stands as a notable failure in the annals of cinema history. While attempts were made to emulate the classic Hope/Crosby road movie genre, the film fell flat on numerous fronts. Its unfortunate foray into what was intended to be a lighthearted and whimsical journey turned out to be a shadow of its predecessor, culminating in one of the biggest box office flops of its time and a nightmare for its distributor, Columbia Pictures.

Despite Failure, Ishtar's Reputation Grows

The movie's reputation has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. According to Elaine May herself, if all the critics who panned the film had actually bought tickets to see it themselves, she would be among the wealthiest individuals in the industry. This sentiment highlights the complex relationship between critical reception and box office performance.

What Went Wrong: The Intended Tone and Realism Misfire

Ishtar was conceived as a spoof, but it failed to capture the essence of a successful road movie. The primary issue lay in the execution of the intended lightness and absurdity. In classic Hope and Crosby movies, an omnipresent winking fourth wall allowed for a playful interplay between the actors and the audience. This element, crucial for maintaining the film's comedic premise, was notably missing in Ishtar.

The result was a stark contrast between the then-talented actors, Jack Nicholson and Dustin Hoffman, and the characters they were supposed to embody. Rather than acting with a wink and nudge, the actors appeared too immersed in their roles, causing the audience to struggle with identification and engagement. This stark realism only enhanced the film's failure, as it failed to provide the expected and much-needed comic relief. Drawing a comparison with an early Jim Carrey movie like Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, which achieves its comedic effect through a fictionalized and exaggerated performance, Ishtar faltered in its attempt to create a similar comedic impact.

Elaine May's Strengths and Weaknesses

Elaine May is recognized for her wit and insightful writing, but her transition into directing is questionable. Her humor and ability to write compelling dialogue are undoubtedly assets, but they do not guarantee success on the big screen. As a writer, she successfully crafted the screenplay, but directing is a fundamentally different skill set that requires a sensitivity to pace, timing, and visual storytelling. Imagine if her screenplay had been brought to life by a director with a lighter touch and a better sense of pacing, such as the late Martin Brest, known for his work on Midnight Run.

Ishtar's narrative challenge was further compounded by the presence of two intelligent and genuine actors playing characters that were meant to be dim-witted and clueless. This conundrum makes it a difficult picture to sell, especially to audiences who had the potential for a deeply ironic or humorous experience but instead were met with a serious and often confusing film.

In conclusion, while Ishtar may be remembered as a failure, it serves as an interesting case study in the challenges of bringing a specific comedic vision to the screen. Its enduring notoriety is a testament to the complex interplay between directorial skills, writing, and audience reception.