Tom Selleck's 1992 historical drama, "Christopher Columbus: The Discovery," is a prime example of a movie that became a vortex of misfortune, leaving an indelible mark on the history of cinema. This film, which aimed to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Columbus' voyage to the Americas, was plagued by a series of unfortunate events that made it a disaster on multiple fronts.
The story begins with the Salkind producing duo, Alexander and Ilya, who had a troubled history with director Richard Donner on their previous film, "Superman." Their involvement in "Christopher Columbus" only added to the chaos. The film's director, John Glen, known for his work on the James Bond franchise, couldn't save it from its dull and unengaging nature. The script, which was already lacking, didn't help either.
Tom Selleck, who was already a household name thanks to his role as Thomas Magnum in "Magnum, P.I.," took on the project with enthusiasm, eager to work with the legendary Marlon Brando. However, the script's poor quality and the personal troubles Selleck was facing, including his daughter's illness, made the experience a nightmare. Brando, on the other hand, was reportedly only in it for the money, which further added to the tension on set.
The production was a mess from the start. George P. Cosmatos, the original director, left due to creative differences with the Salkinds, and Timothy Dalton and Isabella Rossellini soon followed, filing lawsuits. Brando demanded his name be removed from the film after the producers refused to include rewrites that highlighted Columbus' role in the Native American genocide. Despite this, his name remained in the credits.
The film's release was a disaster. It made a mere $8.2 million against a $40 million budget, and critics were merciless. Roger Ebert called it a lackluster treatment of a great historical story, and Peter Rainer of the Los Angeles Times described it as historically, cinematically, and humanly incorrect. The Rotten Tomatoes critic score of 7% speaks for itself.
"Christopher Columbus: The Discovery" is a cautionary tale in the film industry. It highlights the importance of a strong script, a capable director, and a harmonious cast and crew. The personal troubles of the actors and the creative differences between the producers and the director only added to the chaos, resulting in a film that was dull, unengaging, and ultimately a failure. This movie serves as a reminder that even the most talented individuals can fall victim to a series of unfortunate events, and sometimes, it's best to stay away from such projects.
