6.1/10
3,810
51 user 23 critic

The Big Empty (2003)

Trailer
2:23 | Trailer
John Person is an actor with little work, and no money, who suddenly finds himself with an opportunity to make some quick cash by delivering a suitcase to the middle of nowhere.

Director:

Steve Anderson

Writer:

Steve Anderson
Reviews
1 nomination. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jon Favreau ... John Person
Joey Lauren Adams ... Grace
Bud Cort ... Neely
Jon Gries ... Elron
Daryl Hannah ... Stella
Adam Beach ... Randy
Gary Farmer ... Indian Bob
Rachael Leigh Cook ... Ruthie
Brent Briscoe ... Dan
Melora Walters ... Candy
Kelsey Grammer ... Agent Banks
Sean Bean ... Cowboy
Alejandra Aguilan Alejandra Aguilan ... Traveler
Jay Brothers ... Traveler
Sara Fouts Sara Fouts ... Traveler
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Storyline

Would be-Hollywood actor John Person always considered his bizarre neighbor Neely a conspiracy theory nut-case. Still he accepts a simple task to wipe out his over $27,000 debt: delivering a blue suitcase to some Cowboy at Baker, in the empty desert. The place proves a nest of weirdos, including extremely jealous Randy and his girl Ruthie, who seduces John. He learns Neely was murdered, and FBI agent Banks grills him as prime suspect. Yet the weirdest is still to come once Cowboy turns up. Written by KGF Vissers

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

Cowboys. Aliens. Blue suitcases and bowling balls. Strange things are happening out in the middle of nowhere. See more »


Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and some sexual dialogue | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

In an interview, Jon Favreau said that when he read the script for The Big Empty, he was fascinated by its structure, as he didn't see where it was all going in the end. See more »

Goofs

Despite all the drinking John and Ruthie do, the amount of booze left in the bottle never goes down. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Grace: [answers the door in her robe]
John Person: Hi. Oh, Grace, I'm sorry. I thought I heard you moving around in there. Um, listen, I can't decide.
Grace: Did you hear - about the callback?
John Person: No, not yet. I've got some new head shots.
Grace: What happened to your furniture?
John Person: I had to sell it all.
Grace: Even Your bed?
John Person: Yeah. I'm not gonna need it.
See more »

Connections

References The Shining (1980) See more »

Soundtracks

GO CAT GO
Written by Carl Perkins & D.J. Perkins
Courtesy of The Carl Perkins Estate
By Arrangement with Spirit Music Group
See more »

User Reviews

 
Entertaining and offbeat
7 July 2013 | by apeman45See all my reviews

I've been to Baker. I swear the characters in the movie could easily be based on the real residents of this desolate town. Made me a little uncomfortable just thinking about being stranded there. Things could happen there that no one would ever know or care about.

If you are confused when watching this then it's working. Don't try to figure it out and just enjoy the ride. Well acted. Uncle Rico was awesome! Great cast of characters. Frazier was an unexpected pleasure. This movie is more about the acting and the characters than anything else. We all have to make choices everyday and usually make the wrong ones. Make the choice to give this movie a chance.

Keep your bags packed but don't open them unless you are ready to go on this trip.


4 of 5 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you? | Report this
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Frequently Asked Questions

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site | production company

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

28 August 2009 (Belgium) See more »

Also Known As:

El gran destino See more »

Filming Locations:

Baker, California, USA See more »

Company Credits

Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1
See full technical specs »

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