Essential Memphis Movies
Watch these made-in-Memphis (and inspired-by-Memphis) movies to prepare yourself for the big move:
The Firm (1993): The Firm is based on John Grisham’s novel about a young hotshot lawyer who gets hired to a law firm that’s involved in some seriously shady dealings. The film was nominated for two Oscars (best supporting actress for Holly Hunter and best musical score).
Walk the Line (2005): “Walk the Line” is the life story of legendary musician Johnny Cash, from childhood through his marriage to June Carter. It’s a story of love, substance abuse, standing up for others, and really great music. It was nominated for five Oscars, and won one (Best Actress, Reese Witherspoon). Most of the movie was filmed in Memphis (even the theatre at the end in “Canada” is Memphis’ Orpheum Theatre).
Mystery Train (1989): In Jim Jarmusch’s “Mystery Train”, three stories come together at a sketchy Memphis hotel: a Japanese couple making a pilgrimage to Memphis to worship rock’n’roll, an Italian widow stranded in the city, and Englishman known as “Elvis”. “Mystery Train” was an independent film, but it’s considered to be one of the quintessential Memphis movies.
Hustle and Flow (2005): “Hustle and Flow” was local writer / director Craig Brewer’s first major release. One critical review described it as “‘Rocky’ for pimps”. It’s the story of D-Jay, a Memphis pimp and aspiring rapper whose mid-life crisis prompts him to partner with a childhood friend (and recording engineer) to make his first record. Much of the music in the film was recorded by Memphis rappers, including Al Kapone, Nasty Nardo, and Three-Six Mafia (who won an Oscar for “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp”).
Great Balls of Fire (1989): “Great Balls of Fire” is a biopic about musician Jerry Lee Lewis, who is known for his arrogance, stage presence and wild-man antics. According to IMDB, Jerry Lee Lewis hated this movie. The film was shot primarily in Memphis and nearby Marion, Ark.
21 Grams (2001): Though it’s never mentioned in the film that “21 Grams” is set in Memphis, the city is easily recognizable. The movie is dark – it’s about a freak car accident that connects a widow, a dying man and an ex-con.
Nothing But the Truth (2008): “Nothing But the Truth” is possibly one of the only movies about the rights that journalists have to protect their sources. Set in Washington DC, it’s the story of a reporter who is jailed when she refuses to name her sources in a controversial story. Think Valerie Plame, the movie.
$5 Cover (2008): Craig Brewer’s short-form MTV series is a dramatized look at the lives of real Memphis musicians. Amy LaVere, Muck Sticky, Kate Crowder, Harlan T. Bobo, Jack Oblivian and Valerie June star in the series. If you’re planning to live in Midtown, this is definitely one to watch, as most of it was filmed in the area. For the musicians’ real (but still just as dramatic) stories, check out the accompanying documentary series “$5 Cover Amplified”.
