Rent The Big Easy (1987)

An enjoyable thriller set in New Orleans - The Big Easy review by Philip in Paradiso

Remy McSwain (Dennis Quaid), a New Orleans police lieutenant, investigates a local mobster's murder. The police suspect that a war between two crime families is unfolding. Anne Osborne (Ellen Barkin), a state district attorney, arrives on the scene in order to investigate alleged police corruption within the New Orleans Police Department. The story develops from there on 2 levels: on the one hand, the detective story involving the police investigation of multiple crimes taking place across the city, and, on the other, the romance that takes place between the 2 central characters, i.e. R McSwain and A Osborne.

The contrast between the work ethic of the local police officers and the district attorney's approach and principles is stark. The backdrop to it is that the police officers (most of whom are white) are members of the local Cajun community. The district attorney is an outsider. The clash of cultures and approaches is depicted in a way that is subtle and interesting, with some comical moments here and there. The 2 lead characters' acting is good, although I felt D Quaid overdoes it a bit as the Cajun lady killer who thinks he is the best thing since the invention of sliced bread. (Needless to say, a movie like this couldn't be made today, post-Me Too, unless it was presented as a period film with a health warning.)

It is a good and enjoyable film. The atmosphere of New Orleans and its seedy underbelly is re-created in a way that feels real and immediate. However, I do not think it is the excellent movie some critics have said. It lacks depth and feels a bit like a TV crime drama at times, with too many clichés along the way. I still enjoyed the film.