Top 10 Movie Moments in New Orleans

For many of us New Orleans conjures up thoughts of Mardi Gras celebrations and Creole cuisine.  It’s true, I can think of no other U.S. city where history has established and solidified such a rich cultural identity.  As a result, this fascinating southern destination is proudly cinematic, so much so that it’s an extremely popular setting and location for films.

Here, with a little help from our friends at DK Eyewitness Travel Guides, are our Top 10 Movie Moments in The Big Easy.

 

1. A Streetcar Named Desire

Who can forget Marlon Brando swaggering through the streets of New Orleans as one of the best bullies in American cinema? Stanley’s iconic final appeal to Stella, his desperate yelling of “Stella, Hey Stella!” in one of New Orleans ubiquitous courtyards, is almost as haunting as Brando’s bad-boy good looks (seriously, what a fox). Even when he’s playing a horrible person, you can’t help but love the way he works those dirty white T-shirts. He’s not just a pretty face either; many in the cinema world cite his performance in this film as a huge milestone for American acting.

If you’re looking to channel some of Brando’s talent or signature swagger, there’s no better place than the actual streetcar named Desire. Yes, the same trolley car that was used in the film is still in use in New Orleans. The most popular place to hop on and off the trolleys is on Canal Street in the heart of downtown, and if you want a leisurely-paced tour of the city, the cars journey past some of the best attractions the city has to offer. Maybe if you’re lucky, you’ll even spot a Brando look-a-like.

 

2. Elvis’s King Creole

New Orleans served as the shooting location for another classic American heartthrob—Elvis Presley. The King of Rock and Roll himself later said that Danny Fisher in King Creole was his favorite role he ever played. The U.S. military even realized that the project was of utmost national importance and gave Presley a 60-day deferment to finish the film.

Elvis aficionados can still trace the King’s footsteps throughout NOLA today. Head to Jackson Square in the Upper French Quarter to sit on the bench where, in the film, Danny and Nellie meet and flirt. While there, check out the shops lining the square where you’ll get the opportunity to ask the shopkeepers’ recommendation of where to find the best po’boy in town. True fans should then walk to 1018 Royal Street, the location of Danny’s apartment and backdrop for the “Crawfish Song.”

 

3. Double Jeopardy

If there’s one thing that the film Double Jeopardy taught men, it’s to not frame Ashley Judd for your own (fake)murder. She chases her husband all the way to New Orleans, where he is very much alive and posing as Jonathan Devereaux (which, honestly just sounds like a fake name).

Fans of the film, or those taking notes on how to avenge themselves after being framed for murder, should head to Lafayette Cemetery. This cemetery is one of the most beautiful (and creepiest) in the city, and features a number of ornate over the top mausoleums. Only the truly brave of heart should visit the cemetery at night. While you’re there, try not to get locked in a casket.

 

4. Interview with a Vampire

I think that we can all agree that the real star of this movie is the elaborate set decoration and macabre art direction. But, the young Brad Pitt and Christian Slater along with the very young Kirsten Dunst are close seconds and thirds. This Gothic film will make you second-guess walking around the French Quarter at night and you’ll be checking everyone you see for fangs.

And if you want to relive the climactic moment when Claudia and Pitt’s character, Louis, dump Tom Cruise’s Lestat in a swamp, then catch one of the swamp tours that give tourists an up-close and personal look at the swamps. Keep your eyes peeled for Cruise emerging from the deep.

 

5. Princess and the Frog

Alright, this may be a Disney cartoon, and not even a classic one from the ’80s and ’90s, but undeniably, it’s a great movie. I laughed, I cried (spoiler: a character actually dies!). But all in all, what’s not to love about a jazz playing frog and his sassy, hardworking princess?

For those visiting New Orleans with kids, this movie is also a great way to explore NOLA voodoo without frightening the children. After watching the movie’s Dr. Facilier conjure some incredibly theatrical spirits on-screen, you’ll want to pay a visit to the real thing:  Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo. Winding your way through the tiny museum and shop while trying to avoid hitting your head on a mask at every turn is an adventure not to be missed in New Orleans, the South’s voodoo capital.

 

6. Ray

Rhythm and blues is the heartbeat of New Orleans. And no one performed the blues quite like Ray Charles. The 2004 film Ray traced the life of Mr. Charles from a young blind boy’s humble beginnings to his rise to stardom. The film features Ray playing in many venues throughout the city, including the Civic Theatre on Baronne Street and the Orpheum Theatre on University Place. But, for a taste of Charles’ blues music today, head to Frenchmen Street. This short three blocks in the Fauborg Marigny neighborhood has some of the best live music joints in the city and is always a guaranteed good time.

 

7. Suddenly, Last Summer

This classic film features Katharine Hepburn trying to get permission for doctors to perform a lobotomy on Elizabeth Taylor, so it’s basically one of the best movies of all time. You couldn’t pit these two actresses against each other without an explosive outcome. They perfectly bring to life the words of the author Tennessee Williams, who also wrote A Streetcar Named Desire. Putting incredible actors in a Tennessee Williams classic set in New Orleans seems to be THE formula for fantastic movies.

You can pay respects to the writer at the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival held in late March in venues throughout New Orleans. The festival focuses on how Mr. Williams changed American theater and film. It also touches on how he changed New Orleans itself and America’s perception of the city. After hearing one of the panel discussions, you’ll walk around the French Quarter with an entirely new appreciation of it.

 

8. Easy Rider

Every self-respecting hippie has seen this movie enough times to quote Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper. It’s no coincidence that the LSD-loving boys end up in New Orleans during Mardi Gras, a true psychedelic experience on its own.

Wander through the Krewe of Bacchus Parade on the Sunday before Mardi Gras for a sight of a larger than life King Kong looming in the French Quarter or through the Krewe de Vieux for some saucy satirical floats. Either way, you’ll feel like you’re in another world. Take a hint from Billy and the boys, however, and don’t take any LSD in a cemetery.

 

9. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Brad Pitt returned to his former haunt for the Academy Award winning The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, in which he plays a man who ages in reverse. The movie is heartbreaking, not just because of Benjamin’s unfortunate luck in love but because it ends with Hurricane Katrina’s rapid advance.

Katrina was obviously New Orleans’ biggest disaster moment in its entire history. As the city approaches the tenth anniversary of the catastrophe in 2015, visitors can see how truly resilient New Orleans is, having built itself back up after near devastation. While there are reminders everywhere of Katrina, Katrina National Memorial Park in Mid-City New Orleans is the most beautiful and moving place to pay your respects.

 

10. The Cincinnati Kid

Warning:  watching The Cincinnati Kid will make you want to try to become a hot shot poker player. That’s guaranteed. It’s probably one of the only times you’ll find yourself crying over a hand of cards (unless it’s you at the poker table).

If you’re looking to channel some Steve McQueen and try your hand at some New Orleans poker, then Harrah’s is the place to go. The gigantic casino in the Warehouse District has more than 100 poker tables, along with slot machines, roulette, baccarat, and pretty much anything else you could imagine. If you hit it big, you can dine like a king at the casino’s Besh Steak House. If you come out on the losing end, try not to lose a penny pitch to a shoe shine boy.