Most Expensive Movies: Filmography should not just be looked at as a mode of entertainment. It pretty much reflects the way of life, politics, and culture. Some cinematographic pieces become the talk of the town because of their spectacular nature and the size of their budgets, however, some of them go a notch higher due to their controversies that even arise before the film is released. In this article, we’ve curated a list of five oldest films with high budgets but which were surrounded by controversies even before they were released.
1. Avatar: The Way of Water
Budget: Approximately $350 million
Controversy: Environmental concerns and delays
Avatar: The Way of Water, directed by James Cameron, was released numerous years after its predecessor. Avatar (2009) was an enormous box office success, which upped the expectations of its following installment. This film later earned the title of one of the costliest films ever made with a budget of more than $350 million. However, it was not only the stunning imagery and extravagant sets that captured the audience’s attention.
However, the production also faced criticisms regarding its ecological concerns. Cameron was an advocate for claiming a low-carbon footprint. However, he was taken to task over the huge resources spent on the production of the film. Besides, cost overruns for the film led to annoyance among fans and the industry’s stakeholders.
2. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
Budget: $379 million
Controversy: Johnny Depp’s legal battles and environmental criticism
The fourth part of the Pirates of the Caribbean series has crowned itself the costliest film with a budget of approximately $379 million. However, this film’s production was also plagued with controversies aside from its costs.
Amid movie promotions, Johnny Depp’s legal battles with his ex-wife Amber Heard overshadowed and became an enormous distraction too. Furthermore, the production was also condemned by green groups for purportedly invading untouched beaches in the course of filming.
3. Justice League
Budget: Over $300 million
Controversy: Director changes and fan backlash
Expectations for the Justice League movie, set in the DC Universe, were very high but the film was surrounded by controversies even before it was premiered. With all the production and marketing costs considered to have exceeded 300 million dollars, it was meant to be pictorial extravaganza.
The initial director, Zack Snyder, was forced to abandon the project for personal issues, allowing Joss Whedon to continue the work. Discontented with the changes made to the tone and storyline, fans took to social media where they spread the #ReleaseTheSnyderCut rage. In the end, Snyder’s vision was unveiled in the light of day in 2021, and it was well received by audience.
4. Waterworld
Budget: $175 million (in 1995)
Controversy: Production troubles and creative differences
To illustrate the scale of production, in 1995, Waterworld was considered the most expensive film ever made. However, its making turned out to be a logistical nightmare which overturned all predictions.
The action in the movie took place on water, which meant that high winds swept away sets and equipment, further increasing costs. In addition, there were a number of creative differences between the director and the lead actor Kevin Costner, which added to the pressure already felt by the shooting. Although, because of all the controversies, the movie became a cult classic in the years that followed.
5. Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva
Budget: ₹410 crores ($50 million)
Controversy: Religious sentiments and cultural criticism
The epic fantasy Brahmāstra from Bollywood was among the most expensive movies ever shot in India. This picture however already faced some criticism prior to its release owing to religious grouses.
One of the social media grossed outrage when a character played by Ranbir Kapoor was pictured with a shoe on, in the vicinity of a sacred place. The political outfits called for the removal of the particular scene on grounds of regard. Even with such odds, the film went on to do very well commercially and received several accolades for the special effects.
Conclusion
These five movies are not just famous for their enormous budgets, but also for the controversies that surrounded them. Be it issues such as environmental degradation, legal battles, cultural protests, etc., they highlighted the challenges of the high-concern landscape of making expensive films.
In your opinion, did these controversies contribute to or detract from the success of these films? Please leave your comments below!