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Disney’s foundation is deeply rooted in adaptations, cleverly leveraging public domain stories to create the animated classics that established its legacy. As the company ventured into live-action films, it maintained this strategy, hoping to replicate its animated success by transforming timeless tales. In 1995, under the Buena Vista Pictures label, Disney tackled Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1850 masterpiece “The Scarlet Letter,” but the result is often remembered as one of the most disastrous film adaptations ever produced.
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In a decision that would become infamous, director Roland Joffé reimagined “The Scarlet Letter” as an R-rated erotic thriller, with Demi Moore and Gary Oldman cast in the lead roles. While the original narrative centers on a scandalous affair between a woman and a minister, culminating in an illegitimate child, its intention is far from being seductive or provocative. The film, however, missed this nuance entirely.
Had it succeeded as a compelling erotic thriller, the departure from Hawthorne’s theme might have been more forgivable. Unfortunately, “The Scarlet Letter” failed even in this regard, lacking both as a thriller and as a film overall.
Critics panned the movie, resulting in a dismal 13% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Following the lukewarm reception of “Striptease” the previous year, Demi Moore’s association with another flop further tarnished her career. The film’s poor performance led to her receiving two Razzie nominations—worst actress and worst on-screen couple with Gary Oldman. Ultimately, it “won” the Razzie for worst remake among five other nominations.
Nathaniel Hawthorne, who passed away over a century before this adaptation saw the light of day, was spared witnessing the debacle. Had he been alive, he likely would have joined the list of authors disillusioned by poor cinematic interpretations of their novels. Although it’s uncertain how he would have reacted to the 2010 reimagining “Easy A,” known for its humor and charm, it’s clear which of the two films might have earned a grudging nod if he was compelled to choose.
The Scarlet Letter was nominated for 7 Razzie Awards
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Critics were brutal in reviewing “The Scarlet Letter,” earning it a pathetic 13% score on Rotten Tomatoes. As much as the previous year’s “Striptease” almost ruined Demi Moore’s acting career, the poor box office performance and critical drubbing that “The Scarlet Letter” received certainly didn’t do her reputation any favors. In fact, Moore was nominated for two Razzies for her performance in the movie — worst actress, and worst screen couple with Gary Oldman. Among the additional five nominations the movie received, it “won” the Razzie for worst remake.
Author Nathaniel Hawthorne died more than 130 years before the 1995 movie adaptation was released, so he thankfully didn’t have to see it himself. But if he did, he almost certainly would have joined the ranks of writers who hated the horrible movie adaptations of their work. Whether he would have enjoyed what some consider the all-time best movie based on his book, the hilarious and charming 2010 reimagining “Easy A,” is anyone’s guess — but there’s no question which of the two movies he would have preferred if he was forced to pick one.
