Tom Selleck's '90s Historical Movie With Marlon Brando Was A Complete Disaster
In the annals of cinematic history, some films stand as enduring testaments to the unpredictable nature of the movie-making process. These are the movies that, for various reasons, become legendary not for their quality but for the calamities that unfolded behind the scenes. One such film is 'Christopher Columbus: The Discovery,' a 1992 historical adventure that, in the words of Roger Ebert, marked 'Marlon Brando's worst performance in memory.'
The story of this movie's production is a cautionary tale, a whirlwind of creative clashes, personal tragedies, and financial misfortunes. It's a narrative that begins with the Salkind producing duo, Alexander and Ilya, who had already made their mark with 'Superman' in 1978. However, the making of 'Christopher Columbus' was a far more tumultuous journey.
The film's genesis was fraught with challenges from the start. The original director, George P. Cosmatos, left early due to creative differences with the Salkinds. This was followed by a series of high-profile departures, including Timothy Dalton and Isabella Rossellini, who filed lawsuits. The situation was further complicated by Marlon Brando's demands, which led to his name being removed from the credits despite his significant role. The movie's budget, a staggering $40 million, was largely wasted, resulting in a meager $8.2 million at the box office.
The film itself, directed by John Glen, was a dull affair, lacking the historical depth and cinematic flair that such a significant historical event deserved. The story, which hints at the devastating impact of Columbus' voyage on the New World, was told in a lackluster manner. Critics were merciless, with Roger Ebert describing it as 'a lackluster manner that Columbus's voyage seems as endless to us as it did to his crew.'
Tom Selleck, who starred in the film, recalled the experience as a personal tragedy. He had been thrilled at the prospect of working with Brando, but the reality was far from glamorous. His daughter's viral pneumonia added to his distress, and the entire experience left him questioning his career. 'I went and did the movie,' he told Drew Barrymore, 'The movie wasn't really worth doing, frankly. I think Marlon was really in it for getting $5 million for two weeks' work and it just bothered me. So, I took a year off, and a year off turned into three.'
The film's failure was not just a financial disaster but also a personal one. The Salkinds, who had been a producing duo for years, parted ways after this project. The experience left a lasting mark on them, with Alexander Salkind telling the Los Angeles Times, 'I know, after this, that I'll never make movies again.'
'Christopher Columbus: The Discovery' is more than just a movie; it's a cautionary tale about the perils of creative collaboration and the unpredictable nature of the film industry. It serves as a reminder that even the most talented individuals can fall victim to a perfect storm of circumstances, resulting in a cinematic disaster. The film's legacy is not just in its poor critical reception but also in the personal and professional repercussions it had on those involved.
In the end, 'Christopher Columbus: The Discovery' is a fascinating case study in the complexities of filmmaking. It's a story that, while tragic, also offers valuable insights into the creative process and the human element behind the silver screen. It's a reminder that sometimes, the greatest disasters in cinema are not just technical or financial but also deeply personal.
