“Big Trouble in Little China” (dir. Carpenter, 1986) stands out in cult movie history for two reasons:
1. It blends campy adventure elements and genuine comedy in a unique and original way.
2. It successfully ended beloved filmmaker John Carpenter's studio career.
The production was famously plagued by studio interference, with Fox's executives not understanding the tone of the film. Apparently, interference went so far that Carpenter had to change his opening scene to include a pointless bit of exposition at the beginning, which is still in the film today. Consequentially, once the film was completed, Fox refused to advertise it, claiming that it would certainly be a box-office disaster. To their surprise, the few people who got to see the film in limited screenings loved it and it was immediately apparent that “Big Trouble” would become a cult hit.
Following his dispute with Fox during the production of the film, Carpenter went on to produce all of his future films independently. This marked a major change in the way Carpenter made films. The director, who had made a name for himself with such classics as “Halloween” (1978), “The Thing” (1982) and “Escape from New York” (1981), now had to turn to unknown actors and low-budget effects in order to make his films.
1. It blends campy adventure elements and genuine comedy in a unique and original way.
2. It successfully ended beloved filmmaker John Carpenter's studio career.
The production was famously plagued by studio interference, with Fox's executives not understanding the tone of the film. Apparently, interference went so far that Carpenter had to change his opening scene to include a pointless bit of exposition at the beginning, which is still in the film today. Consequentially, once the film was completed, Fox refused to advertise it, claiming that it would certainly be a box-office disaster. To their surprise, the few people who got to see the film in limited screenings loved it and it was immediately apparent that “Big Trouble” would become a cult hit.
Following his dispute with Fox during the production of the film, Carpenter went on to produce all of his future films independently. This marked a major change in the way Carpenter made films. The director, who had made a name for himself with such classics as “Halloween” (1978), “The Thing” (1982) and “Escape from New York” (1981), now had to turn to unknown actors and low-budget effects in order to make his films.
“Big Trouble” tells the story of American trucker Jack Burton (Kurt Russell) and his competent sidekick Wang (Dennis Dun) who try to rescue Wang's fiancée from a group of Chinese mobsters. They soon find themselves in the middle of an ancient mystic battle in Chinatown. Along the way they are joined by Kim Catrall's Gracie Law and the sorcerer/tourist bus driver Egg Shen (Victor Wong).
Like I told my last wife, I said, "Honey, I never drive faster than I can see. Besides it's all in the reflexes." Jack Burton
The film features an array of wild action set-pieces and ambitious visual effects, but never takes itself too serious. Jack Burton represents the ultimate spoof of the American action-hero, complete with crappy one-liners. Every film geek should have seen this film at least once.
Do you agree or disagree?
Let us know all your thoughts about Minority Report in the comments below and the Your Say section.
By Movie Parliament Minister for History,
Leonhard Balk
Like I told my last wife, I said, "Honey, I never drive faster than I can see. Besides it's all in the reflexes." Jack Burton
The film features an array of wild action set-pieces and ambitious visual effects, but never takes itself too serious. Jack Burton represents the ultimate spoof of the American action-hero, complete with crappy one-liners. Every film geek should have seen this film at least once.
Do you agree or disagree?
Let us know all your thoughts about Minority Report in the comments below and the Your Say section.
By Movie Parliament Minister for History,
Leonhard Balk
RSS Feed
