What’s left to say about Ishtar? Even the title of the film has become synonymous with Hollywood failure. But is it fair to brand it a one-star fiasco? For the inaugural episode of Have You Seen This?, Jen and Tim dare to travel to Ishtar.
Jumping off from Peter Biskind’s recounting of the production, Jen and Tim discuss Elaine May’s directing style (and missteps), the performances of Dustin Hoffman and Warren Beatty, and whether or not Ishtar is actually, you know, funny.
Read Peter Biskind’s post mortem of Ishtar, excerpted from his biography of Warren Beatty.
Ishtar (1987)
Directed by Elaine May
Produced by Warren Beatty
Written by Elaine May
Starring:
Dustin Hoffman
Warren Beatty
Isabelle Adjani
Charles Grodin
Jack Weston
Music by:
Bahjawa
Dave Grusin
Paul Williams
Cinematography: Vittorio Storaro
Edited by:
Richard P. Cirincione
William H. Reynolds
Stephen A. Rotter
Production company: Delphi V Productions
Distributed by Columbia Pictures
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The theme music for Have You Seen This? is “B005” by Monroeville Music Center.