The Best Flop Movie: "Joe vs. The Volcano"

One of the pleasures of this holiday movie season is the film, "Doubt." Not because it's so wonderfully done - which it is, on every level - but because it's allowed the great, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright John Patrick Shanley the opportunity to once again direct a movie.

Therein lies the tale.

John Patrick Shanley is an accomplished writer best known to the public for his Oscar-winning screenplay of the movie "Moonstruck," as well as his Tony-awarding winning play, "Doubt." In between them, he made his movie directing debut with "Joe vs. the Volcano," an offbeat comedy he also wrote that has the distinct honor of being the only movie to star Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan and flop.

Given that the other two are "Sleepless in Seattle" and "You've Got Mail," that's quite an accomplishment. Especially consider the executive producer was Steven Spielberg. And yet - flop it did. Huge.

It shouldn't have. And it killed Shanley's directing career. And it shouldn't have done that, either.

I've discovered that life is divided into two groups - those who utterly hate "Joe vs. the Volcano" and those who absolutely, unequivocally love it. And it's about 90-10 against. I'm with the 10%.

BUT...this is one of the few, totally subjective, personal opinion matters when I feel comfortable saying that I'm right - and right for an objective, demonstrable reason. And this reason is that most people who so-dislike the movie not only missed the point - but it's a point that John Patrick Shanley wrote in black-and-white. I don't mean metaphorically wrote. I mean he literally wrote it in black-and-white. Plastered it across the screen. And people miss it.

A moment first to explain "Joe vs. the Volcano." It concerns a man who's feeling miserable with his life, lost, adrift, when three things happen: he visits a new doctor, he meets a wealthy industrialist, and three women cross his path. As a result, Joe makes an outlandish decision to alter his life and heads off on his adventure to accomplish it.

As I've meandered through my days and tried to sneak the movie into the conversation of polite society, the main complaint against "Joe vs. the Volcano" is that it's stupid and silly and unbelievable and ridiculous and over-the-top. And it's perceived that way because the movie is very crisp, very stark and looks very realistic. And if viewed realistically, the movie IS stupid and silly and utterly ridiculous. BUT --

In the first image of the movie (and this is not giving anything away, because it is the very first thing you see), Shanley tells the audience in black-and-white that this is not supposed to be viewed realistically. The very first image of the movie is a graphic with the words, "Once upon a time, there was a man named Joe..."

Okay, here's a pop quiz: what stories begin "Once upon a time..."? They are - well, okay, you know the answer - fairy tales!! In fact, to nail this point home further, Shanley creates yet another, similar image that reiterates This Is A Fairy Tale. I won't mention that one because it does give away a major plot point. But it's as blatant as the first, all the more so because it's a major plot point, and even harder to miss. And just as hard to misinterpret.

Stories that begin "Once upon a time" and have that other, second image are fairy tales. Pure and simple. And Shanley is telling everyone that that's how you should look at this story. As a magical fairy tale. And if you DO look at it that way - like you're watching a tale by Hans Christian Anderson, or the Brothers Grimm, or Aesop, or whatever - then the goofiness of the movie, the off-beat icons, the intentionally repeated images, the stylized patter, the fantastic occurrences (like 'brain clouds'), life-changing bolts of lightning, and one actress playing all the different women who show up throughout Joe's life, all of these fairy tale circumstances fit together and make perfect sense. This isn't the real world, it's a fairy tale world.

I've watched the movie at least eight times, and almost each time I see more images and points I missed before.

One example - the movie has a recurring image of a crooked line, but it's always blended into other images and easy to overlook until repeated viewings. It's the logo for the company where Joe works. And it's the same patterned path that the lemming-like employees take as they drudgingly march into the factory. And it's also the pattern that we see at a distance that the island natives take when they are walking up the volcano. And then Joe even makes a comment about how his whole life has been walking a crooked path. So, it all comes full circle and fits impeccably together. The movie is full of richness like that. All part of the fairy tale world that is consistent with itself.

Recently, I cautiously mentioned "Joe vs. the Volcano" to my friend Myles Berkowitz (mentioned in these pages previously for his deeply thoughtful, encyclopedic and outspoken reactions to...well, just about anything), and it was with great relief to discover how completely thrilled he was to find another soul who loves the movie as much as he does - and he's seen it 20 times, making me look like a piker. That he agreed with everything I'm saying here is not offered as proof, just that the mutual and independent thought by a highly-perceptive fellow was comforting.

To be clear, it's of course possible to dislike this movie, any movie because you think it's not well made. No question. Or because you don't like fairy tales. To each their taste. What I'm saying, however, that my experience is that that's NOT why people ever say they don't like "Joe vs. the Volcano." (And boy, have I talked to a lot...) They don't comment on the characters, dialogue, plot structure or craftsmanship. No, all they say is, "It's so stupid, it's so unbelievable." If people accept the movie for what it is and still don't like it -- fair enough. I have no quibble with that. My point is that I've never found that that's why most people don't like it.

It is my experience that most people don't like "Joe vs. the Volcano" because they totally miss the point. They miss that John Patrick Shanley has told them, blatantly, clearly - this is a fairy tale.

That returns us to my pleasure at seeing the movie "Doubt," which Shanley directed, based on his play.

Regardless of what one thinks of the story of "Joe vs. the Volcano," it's still a beautifully directed movie. (The breathtaking scene when the full moon rises above the ocean may possibly be my favorite scene in any movie, ever.) But the way Hollywood works, if a movie flops, executives in charge believe the movie has to have been poorly directed. That's an attitude so small-minded and wrong. Same thing conversely with the screenplay of a flop, or an acting performance. All can be wonderful, but a movie fails for many reasons, and often they are unrelated to quality, talent and craftsmanship. And that's why I said I was so pleased that John Patrick Shanley got another chance to direct with "Doubt" - and is now demonstrating what I knew years ago, that he's not just a tremendous writers, he's a wonderful director, as well.

For those who get that "Joe vs. the Volcano" is a fairy tale but simply don't like it - so be it. For those who wish to continue dismissing the movie for all the wrong reasons, it's your right to be completely wrong and not realize it. But for those with an open mind, go back and watch "Joe vs. the Volcano" again. And for those who've never seen it before - you're in for a treat. But the only thing to keep in mind when you do watch it is -

You are watching a fairy tale. About being adrift in your often-strange life and following a crooked path to get to where you are finally supposed to be.

And that's why "Joe vs. the Volcano" is the best flop movie. Without a Doubt.

Comments

[BlackJAC]

Don't forget that Shanley also did the screenplay for CONGO.

[drkazmd65]

Count me among the 10% Mr. Elisberg.

I have not seen the movie more than 2-3 times, but it it remains my favorite movies with Tom Hanks (nearly a toss-up with Forest Gump). I liked the movie mostly BECAUSE it was mostly surreal version of life.

Then again,... my favorite TV series of all time was Northen Exposure,... so I kind of like the 'Fairy Tale' genre,...

I'll have to make a point of rewatching "Joe" to see if I can catch the secondary images you write about again. Thanks for the thoughts.

[DrBuzz]

I feel like Chandler on "Friends"...

OH MY GAWD! Did you not read the entire article before responding? ALLLLL Mr. Elisberg said is that those ***he has encountered*** didn't like it because it was unbelievable!!! To quote: "To be clear, it's of course possible to dislike this movie, any movie because you think it's not well made. No question. Or because you don't like fairy tales. To each their taste. What I'm saying, however, that my experience is that that's NOT why people ever say they don't like "Joe vs. the Volcano." (And boy, have I talked to a lot...) They don't comment on the characters, dialogue, plot structure or craftsmanship. No, all they say is, "It's so stupid, it's so unbelievable." "

Are you perturbed that Bob apparently doesn't know you, hasn't met you, and/or asked your opinion... or did you really give up reading to this point? As Bob likes to say, "IT'S ONLY ENTERTAINMENT!" You tell Bob that you don't like something that he likes, and trust me, Bob will debate it (it is a LOT of fun, and never malicious). But in the end, he KNOWS it's your opinion. ***Because it's only entertainment***!

[DrBuzz]

BTW, this was supposed to be a reply to RobertHenryEller, rather than an original post. Robert, you must be gratified that you can inform John Patrick Shanley that he/you have allies in admiration of Joe v. Volcano....

[LeftRight]

I've only seen it once, but I don't understand how ANYONE can dislike it! It's stupid, it's corny, it's cheesy, and that's EXACTLY what I expected to see!!

Just like how people didn't like Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. I LOVED that movie, cause I went into that theater expecting to see camp, just like the trilogy, and that's what I GOT!!! It was GREAT!

[mylesaway]

Since I"ve been exposed as a Joe lover¦I want to add a few thoughts ....

First - "Joe vs. Volcano" is a fairy tale. But it is also a playful rendering of all the steps of the hero"s journey as laid out in Joseph Campbell"s "The Hero with a Thousand Faces." I"m not suggesting that Bob missed this point, but I am suggesting that...

Second - This movie works on so many levels that you can find something new each time you watch it.

Third " This movie is incredibly spiritual.. For example, here"s the line Hanks struggles to his feet to give when he sees that fairy tale full moon in Bob's favorite scene:

Dear God, whose name I do not know - thank you for my life. I forgot how BIG...

I cry every time I see that scene. I cry every time I think about that line. But I must give one...

Warning " "Joe" is not a good date rental. Either you will come down a peg in your date"s eyes if you love the movie more than he or she does, or your date will become incredibly unattractive to you if he or she doesn"t love the movie as much as you might. I speak from experience. So¦

Watch this movie alone, especially your first time. This way, you won"t feel self-conscious if you want to laugh or cry or stop the DVD to think about your life. I do twice a year!

Myles Berkowitz

[scottellington]

"Serenely dangling upside-down, the Hanged Man has let go of worldly attachments. He has sacrificed a desire for control over his circumstances in order to gain an understanding of, and communion with, creative energies far greater than his individual self. In letting go, the hero gains a profound perspective accessible only to someone free from everyday conceptual, dualistic reality." -- Wiki

Now, if only Dr. Ellison's first name were Harlan or Ralph...or Wonderland...

In other words, Thanks!

[fairwitness]

What a delight to see this post, sir, as J v V is at the top of my favorite move list, also, and I find few others who "get it". I can't say that I'm all that interested in 'fairy tales" in general or mythic literature or even poetry, for that matter, but, for all its silly conceits and weird dialogue, Joe really struck a chord in me. Like you, I return to it repeatedly. It speaks to the innocent, childlike core of me and, despite the silliness, orients me again with each viewing to my true place in the scheme of things.

Joe IS me, IS "everyman", IS Odysseus the traveler, a battered, mostly discouraged, confused, disappointed idealist on a quest he didn't really want and doesn't understand, ready for anything that will change the dark trajectory of his world and offer a glimpse into a greater reality. Joe, by virtue of his "brain cloud' diagnosis, lives in an awakened state that takes him directly into the darkness in search of the light, while all around are the sleep-walking and mundane. His encounters along the way are fascinating and enlightening, his newly awakened love a joy to witness.

And that moon!

I am more myself after watching this silly little fairy tale. Thanks for the reminder.

[RobertHenryEller]

Dear Mr. Elisberg: I see a pattern here:

In your recent article about Cheney, you accept the word of a known and demonstrable liar that he doesn't know why people don't like him.

In this article, you decide that people who don't like "Joe" don't get the obvious point that it's a fairy tale, even though, as you point out, the director points out plainly that it's a fair tale.

Does that mean that all the people who did like the movie only liked it because the director pointed out in black and white that it's a fairly tale, and they were paying attention?

And that all the people who "missed" the black and white message, would have liked it, if they had not missed the message?

You are making the argument that people who did not see the "fairy tale" warning did not enjoy the film, and that people who did see the "fairy tale" warning could not have disliked it.

Mr. Elisberg, people like movies, and don't like movies, for reasons other than what their authors, directors and producers tell us the movies are about.

But I guess (I hope!) that you would have enjoyed the movie just as much if the movie didn't start with the message, "Once upon a time, there was a guy named Joe."

Otherwise, you are making the case that grownups are incapable of recognizing a fairy tale as a fairy tale, unless someone points this out.

[Robert J. Elisberg - Huffpost Blogger]

> Dear Mr. Elisberg: I see a pattern here:

While I appreciate your comments, you alas don't. For example --

> In your recent article about Cheney, you accept the word of a known and demonstrable liar.
>

That you could read that entire piece and actually believe I think that Dick Cheney doesn't know why he is unpopular completely misses the sarcasm of the article. Of course Dick Cheney knows why he's hated!

> You are making the argument that people who did not see the "fairy tale" warning did not enjoy the film, and that people who did see the "fairy tale" warning could not have disliked it.
>

Again, you have missed several distinct comments I make that say the exact opposite. Among them:

"To be clear, it's of course possible to dislike this movie, any movie because you think it's not well made. No question. Or because you don't like fairy tales. To each their taste." And also, "For those who get that 'Joe vs. the Volcano' is a fairy tale but simply don't like it - so be it. "

As I write, it's "my experience" that most people I've ever spoken to about the movie admit they missed the point that it was a fairy tale. Not everyone, but most. I wasn't guessing about this. That's "my experience."

I'm sorry that you missed the point of the last two pieces, but again, I appreciate you reading them and your comment was nonetheless thoughtful.

RJE

[scottellington]

Joe first sets foot in the movie by arriving at his lousy job, but his foot is planted in a puddle that shows me Joe may have a lousy job, but what really sucks is his life. It's followed by a matching action flow of a guy in a hat and overcoat (wearing lighter pants) who discards a left handful of litter while closing the door of his car.

I'm TOLD Joe's job is lousy. I'm SHOWN something slightly else. Armed with the certain knowledge that his life will end in 4-6 months, he agrees to end it sooner in exchange for an unlimited supply of material goods and services.

The film is packed with juicy lines to quote and interesting situations (many of which strongly resonate with other films featuring Tom Hanks), but this particular fable doesn't conform, in my estimation, with the boilerplate contract that fabletellers make with their audiences.

It's also fundamentally equivocal about the difference between making a living and making a life. It quibbles when it ought to fable.

[the steamer]

I never knew this was a flop, either. I even used the steamer trunk luggage as a model for my company's premier equipment cabinet. Maybe now I understand why some people don't like it.

[Dots]

I got it...that it's a fairy tale. I was part of the 10%.
But we know that unless the studio puts mega dollars into the marketing of a movie,
90% of the public don't bother. They would rather have their feelings manipulated by Hollywood,
over discovering their own experience.

[blindjester]

I love Joe vs. the Volcano!

I've used it many times over the years to teach theme to high school students.

Did you also notice the crack in Joe's apartment is the same lightning shape?

My favorite scene from the movie is with Joe, on the raft and delirious from thirst, saying "Dear God, whose name I do not know, thank you for my life. I forgot how big. Thank you. Thank you for my life."

Very cool.

[Charley Nobel]

Thanks Mr. Elisberg for naming such a warm, funny, and life affirming movie as the best flop-movie. Joe v Volcano has brought me years of fairy tale pleasure with each re-viewing (I'm somewhere between you and Berkowitz in that arena). I took up the ukulele because of this movie and you don't need three guesses to know what my first song in my repertoire was. Though I firmly believe that Joe could have found happiness with the "Flibbertigibbet", after twenty plus years of marriage, my wife still finds cause to shake her head in bemusement at me and with a sigh quote our favorite line: "It's always going to to be something with you, Joe, isn't it?"

[Montanus]

Gee, I never knew the movie was a "flop." I found (find) it hilarious. I have cited the opening sequence many times...
Remembering his role in "The Godfather," Abe Vigoda absolutely cracked me up with his performance.

Sorry the bean counters didn't see the movie as art.

[OldJewEyes]

Absolutely agree -- a misunderstood masterpiece