New Orleans has been the setting for many movies over the years. Here are some of the top movies filmed in New Orleans:
Interview with the Vampire (1994) - Based on the novel byAnne Rice, this movie tells the story of a vampire named Louis and his experiences in New Orleans.
"Interview with the Vampire" is a novel by Anne Rice published in 1976. It is a Gothic horror and vampire novel that tells the story of a vampire named Louis de Pointe du Lac, who is interviewed by a human journalist named Daniel Molloy. Louis recounts his life as a vampire, starting from the moment he was turned by the vampire Lestat de Lioncourt in the 18th century.
Throughout the novel, Louis struggles with his new existence as a vampire, particularly with the moral implications of taking human life. He eventually creates a vampire child, Claudia, with Lestat, and the three of them live together for many years. However, tensions between the three vampires ultimately lead to Claudia's death and Louis' decision to leave Lestat.
The novel explores themes of immortality, morality, and the human condition, as well as examining the complex relationships between the characters. "Interview with the Vampire" was widely popular and has been adapted into a successful film starring Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, and Kirsten Dunst.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) - This movie, starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, is about a man whoages in reverse and his experiences in New Orleans.
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" is a short story written by F. Scott Fitzgerald and first published in 1922. The story is about a man named Benjamin Button, who is born with the physical appearance and characteristics of an elderly man. As he ages, he becomes younger in appearance and behavior.
Benjamin's unusual condition causes him to be isolated from others, as he doesn't fit in with people of his chronological age. He grows up with a deep longing to experience life as a normal person, but his physical appearance and abilities prevent him from doing so.
As Benjamin grows younger, he falls in love with a young woman named Daisy, and they have a brief romance before he becomes too young to continue the relationship. Eventually, Benjamin becomes an infant and is adopted by a loving family who raises him until he eventually dies peacefully as a newborn.
The story explores themes of aging, time, and the human experience, as well as the isolation that can come from being different from others. It has been adapted into a successful film starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, with a slightly different plot and ending from the original story.
12 Years a Slave (2013) - This movie, based on the true story of Solomon Northup, a free black man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery, was filmed in various locations around New Orleans.
"12 Years a Slave" is a memoir written by Solomon Northup and first published in 1853. The book tells the true story of Northup, a free black man living in New York in the 1840s, who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in the Southern United States.
Northup spends 12 years in slavery, experiencing extreme physical and emotional abuse from his various owners. He is forced to work on cotton plantations and endure brutal punishments for minor infractions. Despite his circumstances, Northup remains determined to regain his freedom and return to his family in the North.
Throughout his ordeal, Northup bears witness to the horrors of slavery and the inhumanity of those who perpetuate it. He also encounters a few kind and sympathetic individuals, both black and white, who provide him with some measure of comfort and support.
After 12 long years, Northup is finally able to secure his freedom with the help of a Canadian abolitionist. He returns to his family, but his experiences as a slave leave a lasting impact on him and he becomes an active advocate for the abolition of slavery.
The book provides a vivid and harrowing portrayal of the brutality of slavery, as well as a powerful message about the importance of freedom and human dignity. It has been adapted into a successful film directed by Steve McQueen, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor as Solomon Northup, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2014.
Runaway Jury (2003) - This legal thriller, starring John Cusack and Gene Hackman, was filmed in various locations around New Orleans, including the historic courthouse in the French Quarter.
"Runaway Jury" is a legal thriller novel written by John Grisham and published in 1996. The book tells the story of a high-profile trial involving a gun manufacturer, who is being sued by a widow after her husband is killed in a mass shooting. The case is being closely watched by both sides, as a verdict against the gun manufacturer could have major implications for the industry.
The story centers around a juror named Nicholas Easter, who is secretly working with his girlfriend, Marlee, to manipulate the jury's decision. Together, they use their knowledge of the jurors and their personal weaknesses to sway the verdict in favor of the plaintiff.
Meanwhile, the defense team hires a private investigator named Rankin Fitch to uncover the identities and motivations of the jurors. Fitch uses various unethical and illegal tactics to influence the jurors, including blackmail and bribery.
As the trial proceeds, the tension builds as both sides struggle to gain the upper hand. The novel ultimately culminates in a dramatic finale, as the true motivations of the various characters are revealed and the jury delivers its verdict.
"Runaway Jury" explores themes of justice, corruption, and the power of persuasion. It has been adapted into a successful film directed by Gary Fleder, starring John Cusack, Gene Hackman, and Dustin Hoffman. The film received mixed reviews but was a commercial success at the box office.
Easy Rider (1969) - This classic movie, starring Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper, was filmed in various locations around New Orleans and features some iconic shots of the city.
"Easy Rider" is a counterculture film directed by Dennis Hopper and released in 1969. The film tells the story of two bikers, Wyatt and Billy, who embark on a cross-country motorcycle trip from Los Angeles to New Orleans in search of freedom, meaning, and adventure.
As they travel across the country, they encounter various people and communities, including hippies, farmers, and a commune. They also experience prejudice and hostility from some of the people they encounter due to their unconventional appearance and lifestyle.
Along the way, Wyatt and Billy use drugs and engage in various activities that are seen as rebellious and non-conformist, including riding motorcycles without helmets and engaging in free love.
The film is a commentary on the counterculture of the 1960s and the rejection of mainstream values and norms. It explores themes of freedom, individualism, and the search for identity and purpose. The iconic soundtrack features songs by artists such as Jimi Hendrix, The Byrds, and Steppenwolf, and the film's final scene is a classic moment in cinema history.
"Easy Rider" was a critical and commercial success and is widely regarded as a landmark film of the counterculture movement.
The Pelican Brief (1993) - This legal thriller, starring Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington, was filmed in various locations around New Orleans, including Tulane University and the Louisiana Supreme Court building.
"The Pelican Brief" is a legal thriller novel written by John Grisham and published in 1992. The book tells the story of a young law student named Darby Shaw, who uncovers a conspiracy involving the assassination of two Supreme Court justices.
After writing a brief detailing her theory, Darby becomes the target of multiple assassination attempts and goes on the run. She teams up with a journalist named Gray Grantham to investigate further and expose the conspiracy.
As they dig deeper, they uncover a web of corruption and intrigue involving powerful politicians and businessmen. They must navigate a dangerous world of threats and violence in order to uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice.
The novel explores themes of power, corruption, and the dark side of politics. It is a fast-paced and suspenseful story, with many twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end.
"The Pelican Brief" was adapted into a successful film in 1993, starring Julia Roberts as Darby Shaw and Denzel Washington as Gray Grantham. The film received mixed reviews but was a box office success, further cementing Grisham's reputation as a master of the legal thriller genre.
