In 1990, Bruce Willis and Tom Hanks starred together in The Bonfire of the Vanities, a film that has since become known as a major disappointment for both actors. Despite their considerable fame during the late 1980s and 1990s, this dark comedy, adapted from Tom Wolfe’s best-selling novel, failed to perform well at the box office and drew harsh criticism, marking it as a notable Bruce Willis 90s flop.
The Film’s Plot and Critical Reception
The Bonfire of the Vanities centers around a New York City journalist, played by Willis, investigating a hit-and-run accident involving the spoiled girlfriend of a wealthy Wall Street executive, portrayed by Hanks. Although the movie had a relatively modest budget, it earned less than half that amount in theaters and was widely panned by critics, often cited as one of the worst releases of its year. Despite this, it does not appear among the worst-rated films of Bruce Willis on Rotten Tomatoes.
Bruce Willis Acknowledges the Film’s Flaws
Bruce Willis openly reflected on the movie’s failure in an interview six years after its release with Playboy’s David Sheff. He called the film
“stillborn, dead before it ever got out of the box,”
explaining that critics formed their negative opinions before the film even premiered. Willis conceded,
“I was miscast. I know that Tom Hanks thinks he was, too,”
admitting that the casting choices were a significant problem.
Tom Hanks Also Criticizes the Movie
Tom Hanks has expressed regret over The Bonfire of the Vanities as well, once telling Oprah Winfrey it was
“one of the crappiest movies ever made.”
Unlike many other Hanks films known for their emotional impact, this one failed to resonate with audiences and critics alike. The production itself faced numerous obstacles, further contributing to its troubled legacy.
Production Challenges Behind the Scenes
At the time of filming, the source material was a major publishing success, and there was high anticipation for the adaptation. However, trouble began early, with difficulties in securing the right director. Brian de Palma’s involvement came only after the originally intended director left shortly before filming. Casting problems compounded the issues, as several sought-after actors, including John Cleese, Jack Nicholson, Steve Martin, and Chevy Chase, declined to join the project.
The studio ultimately pressured de Palma to cast Willis, who had recently risen to stardom with Die Hard, despite reservations about the fit. A contract dispute led to co-star F. Murray Abraham’s name being removed from the credits. Even the film’s budget did not offer relief; an infamous 10-second shot involving a Concorde plane cost $80,000, illustrating the production’s difficulties. These numerous setbacks made the movie the subject of a detailed exploration in the book The Devil’s Candy, which documents its troubled creation.
Why the Movie Remains a Cautionary Tale
The Bonfire of the Vanities stands out as a cautionary example of how high expectations, miscast roles, and production troubles can doom even a film with major stars and popular source material. For Bruce Willis and Tom Hanks, the experience remains a clear low point in their careers during an era otherwise marked by significant success. The film’s failure underscores the risks involved in adapting beloved books and balancing complex roles amid intense studio pressures.
