Reviews (5)

Left open ends
I'm a huge fan of Spader but this was not one of his best. Some parts of the plot was difficult to follow because it was boring and my mind kind of wandered off. The problem I have with this film is the use of the "Vietnamese" woman to carry out the plot. Not only was it bad for the film, it gave (...)viewers like me a bad taste in my mouth once the movie was over. The woman looked nothing like (...)and she was just a medium to add (...)and violence into the film. Plus, her fate was left untold after the trial. There's nothing realistic about this movie and Spader's character is not very likable though he's suppose to play the good guy.

This movie wasn't really great...
I found this movie to be a little too drawn out and confusing, but James Spader did a fairly good job with his role (even though his more recent works are much better). One good thing about this film was the beautiful scenery, colors and lighting in many of the scenes. I just couldn't get into this movie...James Spader's acting abilities were just not at their best in this picture.

A great,, sensual film about New Orleans and the south...
Storyville has always been one of my favorite films, and now it is finally coming to DVD. It is an interesting and stylish brew, much as if Tennessee Williams was channeled by David Lynch as told to Woodward & Bernstein. The story revolves around Cray Fowler, a young ne'er-do-well scion of old south wealth, played by James Spader, attempting to unravel a family mystery about his father's suicide, the submerged dealings of the past that built the family fortune, and the present day intrigues of his family and his uncle's drive to have Cray Fowler elected a state senator.

Behind all this is a wonderful cast of characters and a standout performance by Joanne Whalley as a district attorney and former live in lover of Spader's character. Whalley does a fantastic, sensuous southern accent, and the relationship between Whalley and Spader is understated, ironic, and high on heat and barely restrained lust. Just great stuff.

The film is helped immensely by filming on location in New Orleans and southern Louisiana, and the visuals really conjure the Big Easy in heat, of summer and otherwise.

A notable supporting role is that of Spader's estranged wife, a dim witted, greedy and vivacious southern debutante type wonderfully played by Justine Shapiro, who went on to wider fame as the host of the Lonely Planet travel series.

Great fun, very sensual and a wonderful and vastly under appreciated film.

Holds one's attention
Essentially the misadventures of a young man (Spader), acting rather stupidly, this mystery drama at least keeps one watching throughout its running time. It's a semi-thriller about a rich, southern young lawyer running for congress, attempting to uncover the web of deceit that has been spun around him by opponents unknown, following off from his father's death. Spader gives a terrific, ultra cool performance as the hotshot lawyer and is given strong support all round, notable from Jason Robards. Director Frost (who worked with David Lynch on the cult TV series, "Twin Peaks") keeps the plot moving along at a moderate pace, but one can't help but think it could have been better if the plot had revolved around something more substantial that Spader's whim.

Talented actors alive and well in "The Big Easy"!
The past is very much alive and not forgotten in New Orleans. This is one theme of this movie. It also provides an insight as to the sordid business of politics in Louisiana. Solid work from James Spader and from some "Hill Street" actors together with a fantastic soundtrack make this film a great one! Do not miss it! ... Read more

Reviews (71)

JONSIN' FOR SEASON TWO
I am a huge David Lynch fan. ESPECIALY Twin Peaks. I own the episodes on VHS (as horrible in quality as they are), and was so happy when I found season one on DVD. I was extremely impressed with the quality of the DVDs (especialy after wearing out the already bad VHS tapes). What I enjoy most with the DVDs, in comparison to the VHS tapes (aside from the obvious quality improvement), is the optional intro with the Log Lady.

In some false hope that the powers that be may read this I have to ask, why couldn't the entire series have been put into one package as was done with the VHS tapes to begin with? The first season was really only a half season anyway. I beg you to release the second season on DVD, even if it is through an order form as a previous "review" suggested. This is seriously torture thinking that I may have to revert to my VHS tapes forever to finish the series.

don't toss your crummy vhs copy of season two yet
Hmph, website won't let me withhold my rating.

Taking skawes' Dec. 1 advice, I just spoke over the phone with an individual from Artisan's Home Entertainment division and learned that a Season Two DVD set doesn't show up anywhere on Artisan's 2003 production calendar.

This probably means either:
1)they're not making anything public (I didn't pretend to be a Hollywood Video regional purchaser or anything),
2)they haven't acquired the rights for dvd production (I'm guessing that's not the case, although the person who I spoke to wasn't sure), or
3)they really don't see a point in pursuing what many still misperceive as a stagnant cult market...

...which is unfortunate. I've owned the Season One DVDs for over a year, but I've resisted watching them until the rest of the series is released. I don't think I could bear watching 7 beautifully remastered, dolby digital, crystal clear, tear-inducing episodes only to be forced to revert to my old stretched out fuzzy vhs tapes for season two. better to wait. another year.. maybe more...

Lynch's Genius - Fans' Frustration
I am also a frustrated fan. I don't even have the luxury of having a set of crappy VHS tapes. I have not yet seen the television series from beginning to end. I have the original pilot, the first season, and firewalk on DVD, and have been patiently waiting for the release of season 2. I am pissed.
I don't know if this means anything, but I know that TP is a hard swallow for some people (who I think are just braindead anyway) but being introduced to TP the way I was may have been what caught my attention. I first saw firewalk before any other episodes, and the film made utter and complete sense to me. The interviews with the cast made it seem that the storyline when 'awry' for most of them. But watching the beginning after seeing the end... (or is that seeing the end after watching the beginning?) made me realise that the 'end' couldn't have occurred any differently. That show was well thought out, and the symbolism is gut level, as well as spiritual - and not just 'supernatural' as I've heard it described. I believe the whole story to be about the spiritual turmoil that results from abuse at the hands of those we trust the most, and the despair that results. Genius. Lynch is a genius.

my tapes died long ago
PLEASE get the 2nd season DVD out pronto. I know it's due out soon in region 2 so it's just the corporate jerks and studio gobblers holding this up. My vhs tapes died long ago (not that they were great to start with) and now the video rental store doesn't even carry them anymore (I think I was the only one who ever checked them out)! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!! I realize there's a bit more to the TP than there is to the crap they pump out for bad tv shows a day after the season is over, but I know it's ready to go just waiting for the studios to decide who's going to rip us off by splitting season 2 into 2 parts or something. ugh.

It seems logical to me....
Twin Peaks only had two seasons before it was cut down by network idiots. Season 1 is the only one (of the two, remember) to make it to DVD thus far. CRAP like "Friends," "King of the Hill," and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer (sorry Buffy fans--the show really is awful)" are into at least their 3rd seasons on DVD. What's the deal? THERE ARE ONLY TWO SEASONS OF TWIN PEAKS-----EVER. YOU CAN"T GIVE SOMEONE SEASON ONE AND NOT SEASON TWO WHEN THERE ARE ONLY TWO SEASONS!!!!!! I FEEL LIKE I'M LOSING MY MIND HERE! AAAARRRRRRRRGH! ... Read more