Summary
- Tom Selleck struggled in films post-
Magnum P.I.
with poor box office results and critical failures. - Her Alibi
is considered his worst starring film due to the casting mismatch and flawed premise. - Selleck’s film career downfall led to his return to successful television roles, eventually overshadowing his film career.
As I delve into the fascinating life and career of Tom Selleck, a man whose journey through Hollywood mirrors both the highs and lows of the American dream, I can’t help but feel an admiration tinged with a hint of melancholy. Here is a man who embodies rugged masculinity, the epitome of a classic movie star, yet his career seems to have been caught in a time warp, a victim of shifting trends and the whims of Hollywood.
Following his unsuccessful bid for the iconic Indiana Jones role in the hit 1981 action-adventure film “Raiders of the Lost Ark”, Tom Selleck made his leading movie debut with a film reminiscent of “Raiders”, titled “High Road to China” (or “Raiders of the End of the World”). Despite being an imitator, this 1983 adventure flick managed decent box office numbers, proving that Selleck had a genuine on-screen charisma.
In the spy thriller “Lassiter” from 1984, Selleck’s talent and charisma shone brilliantly, making him an intriguing candidate for the role of James Bond. Unfortunately, both “Lassiter” and his subsequent science fiction film “Runaway,” released in the same year, flopped at the box office. By 1987, with “Magnum, P.I.” wrapping up its final season, it appeared Selleck’s pursuit of film stardom had reached a dead end. However, the tide turned when he starred in the 1987 comedy “Three Men and a Baby,” which became the highest-grossing domestic film that year. Critics particularly lauded Selleck for his heartfelt performance, drawing comparisons to acting legend Cary Grant.
1989 saw Selleck’s next leading role in the romantic comedy titled “Her Alibi“, where he portrayed a mystery novelist smitten at first sight by a woman who could potentially be a murderer. Regrettably, this movie turned out to be both a commercial and critical flop. Although it didn’t instantly slow down the success generated by “Three Men and a Baby“, “Her Alibi” served as an ominous sign for his subsequent film career as a leading man, which effectively came to an end within four years.
Her Alibi Is Tom Selleck’s Worst Movie
Apart from Tom Selleck’s questionable performance in the poorly received historical adventure film “Christopher Columbus: The Discovery,” where he appeared rather ludicrous with a poor-fitting wig as King Ferdinand V, “Her Alibi” is considered his least successful leading role. This is surprising given that it was directed by renowned filmmaker Bruce Beresford, who has an impressive resume including films like “Black Robe,” “Breaker Morant,” “Driving Miss Daisy,” and “Tender Mercies.”
As a film aficionado, I can’t help but rave about “Her Alibi,” where Tom Selleck takes on the role of Phil Blackwood, a novelist struggling with creative blocks and career woes. In an attempt to stir up inspiration, Phil finds himself frequenting courtroom trials. It’s during one such trial that he locks eyes with Nina, a breathtaking Romanian defendant accused of murder. From that very moment, I was spellbound by the enigmatic Paulina Porizkova, who brings Nina to life on screen. In a spontaneous burst of intrigue and fascination, Phil concocts an alibi for Nina, hoping to free her into his custody – little did he know that this whimsical decision would lead him down a path filled with twists and turns!
Phil takes the risk of helping Nina despite his lack of knowledge about the crime she’s accused of, the evidence against her, and the potential consequences of lying for her. This action shows a remarkable level of trust on Phil’s part towards a stranger, especially considering that it seems unreasonable and illogical to most people. The storyline would work if we can believe that Nina’s charm is so intense that it could make someone like Phil take such a leap. However, in the show, Porizkova, who is younger than Selleck, portrays a Nina who appears more like a child being watched over by Phil rather than a potential love interest.
Due to the inconsistency in character portrayal and the questionable foundation of the storyline, Her Alibi fails to create any anticipation about whether Nina could have killed Phil. The characters lack depth, making it difficult for audiences to become emotionally invested in their lives or outcomes.
Selleck Was Forced Back to Television
After “Three Men and a Baby,” Tom Selleck’s most notable leading role was in the 1990 sequel, “Three Men and a Little Lady.” This movie made over $70 million at the U.S. box office, but because its earnings were less than half of the original film, it was generally considered a failure. Among the films Selleck starred in between 1989 and 1992, none surpassed the $22 million mark at the domestic box office, including the 1992 sports comedy film “Mr. Baseball,” which marked the end of his leading film career.
1996 marked the start of David Selleck’s comeback to television series, starting with his popular recurring character as Monica Geller’s love interest, Dr. Richard Burke, on the comedy show Friends. Later in 1998, he returned to lead roles in a CBS sitcom named The Closer, which unfortunately lasted only for 10 episodes. In 2007, Selleck became part of the cast for the NBC drama series Las Vegas, stepping into James Caan’s shoes at the beginning of its fifth season. At this time, Selleck was already well-known for his role as lawman Jesse Stone in the television movie series, Jesse Stone, which now includes nine films.
Selleck Could Have Been a Great Movie Star
In his robust and versatile nature, capable of both tender and stern expressions, Tom Selleck might have followed in the footsteps of Clark Gable and Gary Cooper, perhaps even blending their styles, had he made his debut during a different era. Regrettably, the Hollywood scene of the 1980s and 1990s didn’t align with this potential. The feeling that Selleck’s career was out of sync with its time is most evident in the 1990 Western film “Quigley Down Under,” where his authentic portrayal suggests that he could have been a major Western star during the 1940s and 1950s, as he approaches his eightieth birthday.
Indeed, Selleck’s professional path was significantly redefined by his portrayal of New York City Police Commissioner Frank Reagan in the long-running police drama series Blue Bloods. This role has largely eclipsed other aspects of his career, including his film career that once shone brightly but has since faded into relative obscurity. Meanwhile, you can catch his latest work, Her Alibi, which is now available for rental on Prime Video and Apple TV.
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2024-08-20 02:31