Film Flops Littered 1997
If history remembers 1996 as the year of the surprise mega-hit art film, it will undoubtedly memorialize 1997 as the year of the much-heralded mega-flop.
Except “Titanic,” the one anticipated movie that didn’t fail miserably, the rule of the year seemed to be that the more hype a film received, the worse it turned out.
“Ice Storm,” “Donnie Brasco,” and “L.A. Confidential” all missed their marks by trying to do too much within the confines of the film medium, and while they may entertain a few critics, they left audiences disappointed.
Similarly, “Boogie Nights” and “Contact” took too long to say too much, making epics out of stories that don’t deserve the treatment.
And the two overly-hyped Tibet movies - “Seven Years in Tibet” and “Kunduno” - hid relatively weak characterizations and imperfect scripts behind obtrusive (albeit glorious) and pricey soundtracks.
However, 1997 did give us a few monumental films - just not the ones we thought. My picks for the top 10 movies of the year:
1. “Rosewood” Somehow, audiences and critics alike ignored this colorblind masterpiece, hindered by its February release date.
Starring Ving Rhames as a true All-American hero, director John Singleton’s thrill ride also serves as a delayed and passionate telling of an unfortunately forgotten story.
2. “Titanic” - James Cameron’s $285 million epic succeeds as both a hopeful love story and an exciting special-effects extravaganza. It might even make its money back. Technically, if not artistically, perfect, “Titanic” easily merits repeat viewings.
3. “In the Company of Men” - In the most original film of the year, Aaron Eckhart, a Hollywood newcomer, plays the misogynistic trickster who selective audiences will love to hate for years to come. Plus, it sported a shocking surprise ending that leaves viewers gasping for air.
4. “Face/Off” - John Woo’s bloody identity-swapping thriller combined Hong Kong action movie techniques with the superb acting abilities of John Travolta and Nicolas Cage. As much a character study as a roller-coaster ride, the film makes the grade either way.
5. “The Wings of the Dove” - Possibly the darkest, most depressing movie last year, this Henry James adaptation excels because of its effectiveness in presenting that depression. Notable performances from Helena Bonham Carter and Linus Roache make the film a compelling visit to the dark side of early 20th-century England.
6. “The Full Monty” - This sharply written British import about a group of misfits who decide to take it all off outdid every other comedy this year. It took an outrageous (but believable) story line and pushed it further and further past reality, all the while hitting startlingly close to home.
7. “The Postman” - Inexplicably, nobody seems to like this film (except me). Kevin Costner dominates (he produced, directed, and starred), but “The Postman” takes the theme originated in “Dances With Wolves” and “Waterworld” and lifts it to the next level. The result: three fantastic hours of film.
8. “In & Out” - Kevin Kline can’t figure out his sexual identity, Bob Newhart plays a high school principal who condemns him for it, Matt Dillon parodies Brad Pitt, and both Joan Cusack and Tom Selleck try to get Kline to sleep with them. Slapstick comedy with a purpose doesn’t get any better than this.
9. “Starship Troopers” - Much-maligned director Paul Verhoeven finally hits a home run with this Robert Heinlein adaptation. With a cast of virtual unknowns, the film’s story claims the forefront, but the real brilliance lies in the insights into human nature forced by the somewhat outrageous premise.
10. “My Best Friend’s Wedding” - Julia Roberts returns in fine style as the crazed ex-girlfriend in this summer’s surprise blockbuster.
Dermot Mulroney, Cameron Diaz, and especially Rupert Everett light up the screen in the film, which proves that Roberts doesn’t need to get the guy to make $100 million.
MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: THE YEAR’S BEST MOVIES 1. Rosewood (above) 2. Titanic 3. In the Company of Men 4. Face/Off 5. The Wings of the Dove 6. The Full Monty 7. The Postman 8. In & Out 9. Starship Troopers 10. My Best Friend’s Wedding