Search - Storyville on DVD

A great,, sensual film about New Orleans and the south...

09/14/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Left open ends

M. Tran | Orange County | 06/23/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"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 could not hold my attention despite Spader's hotness (haha). 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 Vietnamese viewers like me a bad taste in my mouth once the movie was over. The woman did not look like she was Vietnamese and she was just a medium to add sex 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. If you would like to see a good movie with Spader and the Vietnam situation, watch The Pentagon Papers. He plays a real hero in that one and it's based on a true story."

Talented actors alive and well in "The Big Easy"!

StillnoTennesseeWilliams | 05/01/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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!"

A true picture of how Louisiana operates.

StillnoTennesseeWilliams | Wisconsin | 10/17/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I should know; I grew up there. I agree with Florida, but I think the film was excellently cast, especially Michael Parks as the corrupt cop. Great accent and acting on his part. It may be a bit dated know, since it was made 15 years ago, but that movie is still the Louisiana I grew up in - and believe me, that is how politics still works there."