Overview
A gripping tale of corruption and crime unfolds in the heart of New Orleans.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- sultry
- atmospheric
- witty
- late night thriller viewing
- 1980s movie marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film as an atmospheric, sensual neo-noir thriller elevated by the chemistry and performances of Dennis Quaid and Ellen Barkin, despite some unevenness in its plotting.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
New Orleans streets, accents, music, food, and police culture give the corruption mystery a strongly localized identity.
Remy and Anne pursue a relationship while Anne investigates corruption in Remy's police department.
Remy faces bribery charges and police corruption allegations while investigating gang-related killings.
The film is identified as neo-noir and is praised for its sizzling chemistry, sensual assurance, and atmospheric thriller style.
Films like The Big Easy, and why
L.A. Confidential
Both are atmospheric neo-noir crime thrillers driven by police corruption, moral compromise, and charged romantic chemistry.
Body Heat
Both combine murder investigation, institutional corruption, erotic tension, and a vividly regional sense of place.
Tightrope
Both are character-centered police mysteries with morally compromised investigators, procedural intrigue, and simmering sexuality.
Sea of Love
Both pair crime investigation with a stylish, sensual atmosphere and charismatic leads navigating compromised institutions.
Movie Details
- Director
- Jim McBride
- Release Date
- 1986-11-27
- Runtime
- 102 min
- Rating
- 6.2 / 10 (222)
Cast
- Dennis Quaid
- Ellen Barkin
- Ned Beatty
- John Goodman
- Lisa Jane Persky
- Ebbe Roe Smith
- Tom O'Brien
- Charles Ludlam
- Grace Zabriskie
- Marc Lawrence
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Howdy Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Big Easy about?
- A charismatic New Orleans homicide lieutenant investigates gang killings while romance and a police corruption sting threaten to expose his own compromised world.
- What is The Big Easy like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Big Easy as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is The Big Easy violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in The Big Easy as moderate.
- What did critics think of The Big Easy?
- Critics broadly praised the film as an atmospheric, sensual neo-noir thriller elevated by the chemistry and performances of Dennis Quaid and Ellen Barkin, despite some unevenness in its plotting.
- Which films are like The Big Easy?
- Films with a similar feel include L.A. Confidential, Body Heat, Tightrope, and Sea of Love.
- How long is The Big Easy?
- The Big Easy runs 102 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Big Easy?
- In United States, The Big Easy streams on Howdy Amazon Channel.
