Fun in Louisiana

After my visit to Baton Rouge and New Orleans, I thought I would highlight some films set/filmed there for you to enjoy. From a Best Picture winner to some quirky movies, this list has something for everyone. A group of excellent films that you might have missed!

The Drowning Pool (1975)

Paul Newman returns as detective Lew Harper in this Stuart Rosenberg film. Based on the books by Ross McDonald, ‘The Drowning Pool’ takes a LA detective to New Orleans. He is a bit out of place as he meets many Southern original individuals as he looks to aid a former flame. Real-life spouse Joanne Woodward plays opposite Newman and a deep cast fills this film with character and charm. Trust no one is the motto of every on-screen detective. Look for Melanie Griffith, Richard Jaekel, Tony Franciosa and Murray Hamilton among the supporting cast.

A Soldier’s Story (1984)

Nominated for three Oscars, including Best Picture, this Norman Jewison movie stars Denzel Washington, Howard Rollins and Adolph Caesar. Caesar is so good he got an Oscar nomination for this film. ‘A Soldier’s Story’ is set in the Jim Crow South. An American soldier has been murdered and the film follows the investigation into his death. One of the deepest casts includes David Allen Grier, Robert Townsend, Patti LaBelle and Wings Hauser. Combined with the Oscar nominated script by Charles Fuller Jewison creates tension, drama and suspense in this murder mystery thriller.

The Man in the Moon (1991)

Two reasons often mentioned when recommending this movie: it is Reese Witherspoon’s debut and the last film of ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’s director Robert Mulligan. While those are both good reasons, those facts skip over the warm and charming coming-of-age story that is ‘The Man in the Moon’. This classic of cinema follows Witherspoon’s character Dani as she experiences her first love. Filmed in Louisiana, this movie is for everyone.

Belizaire the Cajun (1986)

This is the least accessible and most unique film on this list. Armand Assante stars as a traiteur (a village healer) in the heart of Cajun country. Set in 1859, he is caught between Cajun locals and the new Anglos who are moving to Louisiana. Wonderful visual images and a personal effort by writer/director Glen Pitre make ‘Belizaire’ a special film. Robert Duvall and Will Patton (his character is named Matthew Perry) add depth to this creative flick.

All the King’s Men (1949)

Please avoid the excruciating remake starring Sean Penn!

Winner of Best Picture, Actor and Actress while nominated for 4 other Oscars, ‘All the King’s Men’ follows the rise and fall of a fictional politician portrayed by Broderick Crawford. His character, Willie Stark, is deeply modeled on real Louisiana Governor and Senator Huey Long. This movie is a rough and tumble look at the ideals, corruption and destruction of politics. Director Robert Rossen teams with novelist Robert Penn Warren to make a film that holds truths to this day! Both of these men would be nominated for Oscars for their work here. Powerful and dark, 1949’s ‘All the King’s Men’ is a true classic of American cinema.

Many other great films have been set/filmed in Louisiana. Keep an eye out for ‘Sounder’, ‘King Creole’, ‘Passion Fish’, ‘Down by Law’ and, the quintessential New Orleans film ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’!

‘The Drowning Pool’ is on Hulu, ‘Belizaire the Cajun’ is on Criterion Channel, ‘All the King’s Men’ is usually available on YouTube, ‘The Man in the Moon’ is on Tubi while ‘A Soldier’s Story’ is not streaming, for free, anywhere. All the films are available for rent/purchase at all the usual spots.