From 'D.O.A.' to 'Super Mario Bros.': The Rise and Fall of Rocky Morton and Annabel Jankel in Hollywood
Rocky Morton and Annabel Jankel ventured into feature filmmaking with a remake of the classic film noir "D.O.A.," which received mixed reviews upon its release in 1988. Despite their background in music videos and commercials, the duo brought a visually striking neo-noir style to the film. However, the movie failed to make an impact at the box office and quickly faded into obscurity.
Following their work on "D.O.A.," Morton and Jankel took on the ambitious project of directing the first American feature film based on a video game, "Super Mario Bros.," in 1993. With Roland Joffé as a producer, expectations were high for a unique and unconventional adaptation. Unfortunately, the production of the film was plagued by chaos, leading to conflicts with the cast and crew.
Despite the challenges faced during the making of "Super Mario Bros.," the film did not resonate with audiences and failed to recoup its budget. The elaborate sets and absurd costumes added a sense of fun and humor to the movie, but behind-the-scenes clashes and negative press took a toll on Morton and Jankel's Hollywood careers.
Dennis Hopper, who played the villain in "Super Mario Bros.," publicly criticized Morton and Jankel, leading to their dismissal by the Creative Artists Agency. This marked a significant setback for the directing duo, as CAA's influence in the industry made it difficult for them to secure future projects. The fallout from the film's release and the subsequent backlash from the cast and crew had lasting professional repercussions for Morton and Jankel.
In conclusion, the journey of Rocky Morton and Annabel Jankel from music video directors to feature filmmakers was marked by highs and lows. While their unique visual style and creative approach garnered attention, the challenges faced during the production of "Super Mario Bros." ultimately overshadowed their previous successes. Despite the setbacks, their experience serves as a cautionary tale of the unpredictable nature of Hollywood and the impact of public perception on a filmmaker's career.