Famous Films That Sat on the Shelves for Years Before Their Release
Famous Films That Sat on the Shelves for Years Before Their Release
The movie industry is filled with fascinating stories of films that were extensively delayed before finally seeing the light of day. Whether due to production issues, legal disputes, or unexpected external events, these films often have complex histories before their eventual release. This article explores some of the most notable examples of films that faced significant delays before becoming cult classics or critical favorites.
Orson Welles' Unreleased Films
One of the most iconic directors in cinema history, Orson Welles, had several films that sat on the shelf for extended periods. His work on The Other Side of the Wind, for instance, is a perfect example of how persistent issues can impact the release of a film.
Orson Welles' The Other Side of the Wind: Filmed between 1957 and 1969, this project faced numerous challenges. After partially completing the film in the 1970s, Welles had to put production on hold several times due to legal disputes and financial problems. It took decades for nearly the entire film to be completed, and finally, it was released on Netflix in 2018. Critics had mixed reactions, but the film gained a cult following.
Another film by Welles, The War of the Worlds, also faced significant delay. Work on this film began in the early 1970s and continued for a few years before production was closed down. Although there was a limited release in 2018, it did not resonate with critics in the way the complete version of The Other Side of the Wind had.
Other Filmmakers and Their Rejected Projects
Terry Gilliam's Brazil: Terry Gilliam's dystopian film also faced significant delays. After its initial release in 1985, Gilliam was heavily involved in editing and re-editing the film due to studio interference and legal battles. The film was finally released in a version that satisfied Gilliam after a considerable amount of editing.
The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby (2013): This film was originally shot as a pair of films, Him and Her, in 2011. However, after some significant re-editing, it was delayed in its release, eventually coming out in 2014.
Controversial and Cult Classics
The Incredibly Strange Creatures Who Stopped Living and Became Mixed-Up Zombies!!: This film, completed in the early 1960s, faced numerous distribution challenges and was not released until years later. It eventually gained a cult following, which explains its delayed release.
Antichrist (2009): Directed by Lars von Trier, this film won critical acclaim upon its release in 2009, but it saw several delays due to its controversial content. The production faced several roadblocks, and it took time to finally bring the film to audiences.
Commercial and Production Delays
The New Mutants (2020): Originally set for a 2018 release as an X-Men spin-off, the film faced multiple delays due to reshoots and the acquisition of 20th Century Fox by Disney. It finally saw the light in 2020.
The Hunt (2020): This film, originally slated for a 2019 release, was delayed following a mass shooting in the U.S. The release date was pushed to March 2020, demonstrating how external events can impact a film's release schedule.
Conclusion
The stories of these films provide a rich tapestry of the challenges that filmmakers face in bringing their works to the screen. Whether it's legal disputes, creative differences, or unexpected turnarounds, these films remind us of the intricate processes that go into making a movie. From Orson Welles to Terry Gilliam and Lars von Trier, these directors have exemplified perseverance and commitment, leading their films to finally find their audience.
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