Another Look At Two Misunderstood '80s Movies
By Rob Christopher in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 18, 2013 7:30PM
The naysayers clucked early and loudly about the "looming failure" of John Carter, animator Andrew Stanton's first live action film; and when the initial box office returns were something less than awe-inspiring, it quickly seemed as if everyone in the world had already labeled the movie an utter disaster.
Elaine May could have told Stanton, "I've been there."
She was one of the most interesting filmmakers of her generation, as well as one of the few women directing movies within the studio system. But after the spectacular failure of Ishtar in 1987 all but permanently ejected her from the director's chair, she's had to settle for merely being one of the greatest screenwriters of her generation. (What would Primary Colors be without her script?)
Much, in fact too much, has been written about Ishtar: its bloated budget, the dueling egos of stars Dustin Hoffman and Warren Beatty, the rotten timing of its release. But the irony is that despite being so notorious, most people have never seen it. Well, here's our chance: the "Director's Cut" runs April 21-25 at the Music Box. It's 20% more Ish, 5% less tar: according to a publicist, May has tightened up the movie and it's some nine minutes shorter than the theatrical version.
1980's Altered States has not suffered the same derision as Ishtar. In fact it's even become something of a cult movie. No surprise there: flamboyant director Ken Russell's flick is a far-out stew of isolation tank psychedelia, genetic mutation, and movie monster mayhem. His treatment of Paddy Chayefsky's novel and screenplay so angered the writer that he actually had his name removed from the credits. Now, in an unlikely twist, the film will be projected with the original dialogue and sound effects while a 100-musician ensemble performs John Corigliano's Oscar-nominated score for the film live. A one-night only show at the Harris Theater on April 23, it's part of a citywide, four-day “Forever Young” festival celebrating Corigliano's 75th birthday. Aside from the music, it's also a nice chance to appreciate the work of cinematographer Jordan Cronenweth, who would go on to shoot Blade Runner a few years later.
Ishtar: The Director's Cut runs April 21-25 at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave. Altered States screens April 23 at 7 pm at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph St.