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The Big Easy
1986 102 min United States of America R 16+
★7.1
Drama, Action, Crime, Mystery
Director: Jim McBride
Trailers
Description
Remy McSwain is a New Orleans police lieutenant who investigates the murder of a local mobster. His investigation leads him to suspect that fellow members of the police force may be involved.
Budget:
$8.5M
US Gross:
$17.69M
Worldwide:
$17.69M
Starring
Dennis Quaid
Actor
Ellen Barkin
Actor
Ned Beatty
Actor
Awards
4 wins & 7 nominations total
Key opinion
The Big Easy is widely regarded as an entertaining, atmospheric crime drama that excels in capturing the distinct spirit and music of New Orleans. While the plot follows a somewhat predictable mystery-thriller structure, the film succeeds primarily as a character-driven romance that effectively blends noir sensibilities with classic Hollywood charm.
| Production | The film succeeds in using New Orleans as a central, atmospheric character that defines the movie's unique identity. | |
| Score | The jazz-driven score provides a vibrant auditory backdrop that successfully captures the local flavor of the setting. | |
| Originality | The film effectively balances multiple genres, successfully weaving together elements of romance, thriller, and noir comedy. | |
| Acting | Dennis Quaid's performance is praised for its charm and energy, though his heavy accent remains a point of contention among viewers. | |
| Acting | Ellen Barkin's performance is viewed inconsistently, with some seeing it as a strong contribution to the romance and others finding her acting stiff. |