The Big Easy (1987)

Directed by Jim McBride. Starring Dennis Quaid, Ellen Barkin, Ned Beatty, Charles Ludlam, Tom O’Brien, Lisa Jane Persky, John Goodman, Ebbe Roe Smith, Grace Zabriskie, Marc Lawrence. [R]

Sparks fly when a crusading DA (Barkin) clashes with a smooth-talking homicide officer (Quaid) while she’s investigating corruption in a New Orleans police precinct; meanwhile, an apparent gang war is knocking off a lot of local wiseguys tied up in the narcotics racket. The attraction between the leads is palpable, and their steamy chemistry dictates the energy of not only their hot-and-cold relationship but also the various plot threads that eventually come together. The mystery/thriller elements are actually the least engaging aspects of the story; for the first two-thirds of the movie, the murder story takes a distant backseat to departmental graft shenanigans, colorful character work, and love scenes (the film’s violence may be conventional, but its eroticism isn’t). Barkin has never been more appealing, and despite an erratic accent, it’s one of Quaid’s richest, most charismatic performances; even Beatty gets his finest role since the 70s. Filmed on location, chock full of local flavor and fine Cajun music. Later a TV series.

81/100