Watch The Big Empty
- R
- 2003
- 1 hr 34 min
-
6.0 (4,324)
The Big Empty is a quirky independent film that was released in 2003. Directed by Steve Anderson, the movie stars Jon Favreau in the lead role as John Person, a struggling actor living in Los Angeles. The movie also features Joey Lauren Adams as Grace, and Kelsey Grammer in a supporting role as The Boss. The Big Empty tells the story of John Person, a struggling actor who is down on his luck. With no work and no money, he is evicted from his apartment and told to find a new place to live. Desperate for money, John takes a job from a mysterious man known only as The Boss. The job is simple: John must travel to the small desert town of Baker, California and pick up a suitcase. It sounds like an easy enough task, but John soon discovers that things aren't always what they seem.
When John arrives in Baker, he finds a town that is almost completely deserted. The only person he can find is Grace, the local diner owner who offers him a place to stay. As John waits for further instructions from The Boss, he begins to uncover some strange occurrences in the town. He meets a number of oddball characters, including a paranoid conspiracy theorist, a man who claims to be a time traveler, and a woman who is looking for her missing husband.
As John tries to piece together what is going on, he becomes more and more entangled in the strange events of the town. He begins to have surreal dreams and visions, and he finds himself drawn deeper into the mystery. Meanwhile, The Boss keeps calling him, demanding that he complete the job and bring back the suitcase. With time running out, John must race to uncover the truth before it's too late.
The Big Empty is a visually striking film with a distinctive, offbeat style. The cinematography captures the stark beauty of the desert, and the film's visuals are often surreal and dreamlike. The movie is part mystery, part comedy, and part existential meditation on the nature of reality. It is a film that rewards patient viewers who are willing to stick with it through its twists and turns.
The performances in The Big Empty are excellent, particularly Jon Favreau as John Person. Favreau is best known for his work behind the camera, having directed blockbuster movies like Iron Man and The Lion King. But in The Big Empty, he demonstrates his considerable talent as an actor. He brings humor, vulnerability, and depth to the role, and he is able to hold the movie together even as it spirals into increasingly bizarre territory.
Joey Lauren Adams is also excellent as Grace, the diner owner who becomes John's ally in the town. Adams brings a warmth and charm to the role, and she has great chemistry with Favreau. Kelsey Grammer is only in the movie for a few scenes, but he makes the most of his limited screen time as The Boss. Grammer exudes power and menace in his brief appearances, and he adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story.
One of the most interesting aspects of The Big Empty is its blend of genres. The movie is part film noir, part sci-fi, and part comedy. It borrows from a number of different sources, including David Lynch, Raymond Chandler, and The Twilight Zone. But despite its diverse influences, the movie feels cohesive and original. It is a film that defies easy categorization, and that is part of what makes it so engaging.
Overall, The Big Empty is a fascinating movie that is well worth seeking out. It is a film that rewards repeat viewings, as there are countless details and clues scattered throughout that can be easy to miss on first watch. The movie is a testament to the power of independent filmmaking and the creative risks that can be taken outside of the Hollywood system. Fans of Jon Favreau, Joey Lauren Adams, and Kelsey Grammer will find plenty to enjoy here, as will anyone who appreciates offbeat, thought-provoking cinema.
The Big Empty is a 2003 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.