The Big Town

Watch The Big Town

"Lady luck is always on his side. Tonight, she's on fire."
  • R
  • 1987
  • 1 hr 51 min
  • 5.9  (2,534)
  • 48

The Big Town is a 1987 neo-noir film that stars Matt Dillon, Diane Lane, and Tommy Lee Jones. The movie was directed by Ben Bolt and released by Columbia Pictures. The story revolves around J.C. Cullen, a young man from a small town who dreams of making it big in the big city. He leaves his hometown and moves to Chicago to try his luck in the city's gambling scene. J.C. quickly gets drawn into the world of high-stakes gambling, where he meets two women: Lorry Dane, a sultry and seductive club singer, and Clementine, a good-hearted waitress. J.C. soon finds himself torn between the two women, as he tries to navigate the dangerous and deceitful world of Chicago's gambling circles.

One of the key themes of The Big Town is the allure of big city life and the dangers that come with it. Throughout the movie, J.C. is faced with a series of moral dilemmas as he tries to climb the ranks in the Chicago gambling scene. He starts off as a lowly card dealer, but quickly rises through the ranks as he gains the trust of his superiors. However, with this newfound success comes new temptations, and J.C. must decide whether to go along with the corrupt practices of his bosses or risk losing everything he has worked for.

Another theme that runs throughout the movie is the complicated nature of human relationships. J.C. is torn between his feelings for Lorry and Clementine, both of whom represent different aspects of his personality. Lorry is the embodiment of his desire for excitement and danger, while Clementine represents stability and goodness. J.C. must ultimately decide which woman he wants to be with and what kind of person he wants to be.

The Big Town features a cast of excellent actors, all of whom give strong performances. Matt Dillon is perfectly cast as the young and ambitious J.C. Cullen, and he does a great job of conveying the character's charm, vulnerability, and determination. Diane Lane is equally convincing as Lorry Dane, the femme fatale who ensnares J.C. with her seductive voice and dangerous allure. Tommy Lee Jones plays the role of Phil Carpenter, J.C.'s boss and mentor in the gambling world, with trademark intensity and gravitas.

The film's production design is also worth noting, as it captures the atmosphere of 1950s Chicago with great accuracy and attention to detail. The sets, costumes, and lighting all contribute to the film's neo-noir aesthetic, which is characterized by its moody, atmospheric visuals and its sense of moral ambiguity.

Overall, The Big Town is a well-crafted and engaging film that successfully blends elements of film noir, romance, and coming-of-age drama. It is a story about the allure of danger and the complexities of human relationships, and it features a strong cast, excellent production values, and a compelling plot. Whether you are a fan of neo-noir films or simply enjoy a good coming-of-age story, The Big Town is definitely worth checking out.

The Big Town
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Description
  • Release Date
    1987
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 51 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    5.9  (2,534)
  • Metascore
    48
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