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When Hollywood set sail for disaster: the story of ‘Cutthroat Island’
A notorious flop worth remembering
Hollywood is no stranger to big-budget failures, with some movies becoming synonymous with catastrophic losses rather than box office success. One title that epitomizes this unfortunate trend is “Cutthroat Island”, a pirate-themed adventure that plundered the coffers of its creators and left a trail of wreckage in its wake.
Digging up cinematic misfires
“Cutthroat Island” is just one gem highlighted in the upcoming book, “Box Office Poison.” This meticulously researched tome celebrates Hollywood’s wildest and most expensive misadventures. From misunderstood masterpieces to sequels that no one wanted, the book presents the stories behind these colossal failures that left indelible marks on the industry.
Among the infamous lineup
The book’s highlight reel includes notorious flops like “Dune” by David Lynch, the much-maligned sequel “Speed 2: Cruise Control,” and the critically panned “Cats.” However, the swashbuckling disaster of ”Cutthroat Island” stands out not just for its financial debacle but for the seismic effects it had on its studio and stars.
The making of a maritime misfortune
“Cutthroat Island,” which premiered in 1995, cost over $115 million but earned just $18.5 million globally. Directed by Renny Harlin and featuring Geena Davis, the film’s production was a maelstrom of missteps from the get-go. The scale of its failure was so profound that it propelled Carolco Pictures into bankruptcy.
The high seas of Hollywood
Harlin met Davis in 1993, leading to a quick romance and marriage. Davis was seeking a role to reignite her career, and Harlin, coming off successes like “Die Hard 2” and “Cliffhanger,” seemed a promising partner. Intrigued by high-octane films, Davis envisioned a return to the silver screen with a thrilling action film, but the tides turned against them quickly.
Carolco’s financial albatross
Carolco Pictures was already struggling, despite previous hits like “Total Recall” and “Basic Instinct.” With mounting debts and losses, they placed all their hopes on “Cutthroat Island.” However, mismanagement and relentless bad luck plagued production. Harlin and Davis faced hurdle after hurdle, with the script undergoing constant rewrites and key actors dropping out, including Michael Douglas, whose departure further complicated matters.
An ambitious yet doomed project
Cast replacements brought Matthew Modine on board, but the project was already fiscally cursed. The lavish sets and practical effects, including full-sized pirate ships costing $1 million each, added to the spiraling costs. Harlin insisted on grandiosity, but his vision was incessantly undermined by the harsh realities of film production.
Rewrites, recasting, and relentless rewinds
Harlin’s perfectionism extended the shoot, causing delays and skyrocketing costs. Issues ranged from injuries to on-set disputes, creating a toxic working environment. Oliver Wood, the original cinematographer, was replaced after a severe accident, and nearly two dozen crew members walked out in solidarity with a fired camera operator.
Release and aftermath
After a beleaguered production phase, the movie’s release was pushed to a highly competitive December slot. Any hope for box office redemption sank, with the film opening in 11th place and quickly disappearing from theaters. This debacle didn’t just doom the film but buried Carolco Pictures, forcing them into bankruptcy.
Legacy of a sinking ship
The assumption for years was that “Cutthroat Island” ruined Carolco. In reality, the company’s financial instability predestined the film to fail. The pirate genre wasn’t revived until the successful advent of “Pirates of the Caribbean” years later, which skirts a fine line reminiscent of “Cutthroat Island” but sails clear thanks to Johnny Depp’s iconic portrayal.
Final voyages
While “Cutthroat Island” sank the fortunes of many, Harlin and Davis managed one last collaboration with “The Long Kiss Goodnight” (1996). Though it became a cult classic, it couldn’t wash away the shadow of their previous failure. Their personal and professional relationship also ended in turmoil, adding to the melancholic legend of the movie.
A knot in Hollywood’s tapestry
Despite its myriad of issues, “Cutthroat Island” maintains a certain charm. The bombastic nature of its production and the sweeping ambition behind it render it a fascinating case study in Hollywood excess. Buried under its financial ruin lies a story with lessons and intrigue akin to a pirate’s buried treasure.
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