Gigli (2003)

Gigli ( ZHEE-lee) is a 2003 American romantic comedy crime film written, co-produced, and directed by Martin Brest. The film stars Ben Affleck, Jennifer Lopez, and Justin Bartha, with Al Pacino, Christopher Walken, and Lainie Kazan in supporting roles. It follows a low-ranking L.A. mobster who kidnaps the brother of a federal prosecutor and is then ordered to work with a female enforcer sent to supervise him.

Produced for Revolution Studios, Gigli was developed during the company's early push toward filmmaker-driven star vehicles. Halle Berry was originally set to co-star before being replaced by Lopez. After principal photography, the film was substantially reworked following poor test screenings and disagreements between Brest and studio executives over its tone and ending. Its release was also overshadowed by intense publicity surrounding the off-screen relationship between Affleck and Lopez, which became a major focus of the film's marketing and press coverage.

Released by Sony Pictures Releasing on August 1, 2003, Gigli received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics, though a small minority were more receptive. It grossed $7.3 million worldwide against a budget of $75.6 million, making it one of the most expensive box-office bombs in film history. In later years, it became widely cited as a symbol of high-profile Hollywood failure and shorthand for an embarrassing flop. It remains Brest's final feature film as a director to date.