In the Electric Mist Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Cajun detective, haunted by Confederate ghosts and his own alcoholism, solves a murder while a Civil War movie is being filmed nearby, probably involving some voodoo and definitely some swamp gas.

🍿 In the Electric Mist: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Initial Investigation

Detective Dave Robicheaux, a recovering alcoholic in post-Katrina Louisiana, investigates the murder of a young prostitute named Cherry LeBlanc. His investigation leads him to Elrod Sykes, a Hollywood actor filming a Civil War movie in the area. Sykes reveals he found skeletal remains in the swamp.

A Past Unearthed

The skeletal remains trigger memories of a murder Robicheaux witnessed as a teen, a black man killed in the 1960s. This past crime intertwines with the present investigation, suggesting a link between the old racial injustice and the modern-day violence. The case becomes more complex as the FBI gets involved, partnering Robicheaux with Agent Rosie Gomez.

Hallucinations and Connections

After being drugged at a party, Robicheaux experiences hallucinations, encountering Confederate General John Bell Hood who offers cryptic advice. These visions add a surreal element to the investigation. Robicheaux suspects his childhood friend, Julie ‘Baby Feet’ Balboni, a mobster involved with the film production, might be connected to the murders.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dave Robicheaux (Tommy Lee Jones): A troubled, alcoholic detective haunted by the past and investigating a series of murders in post-Katrina Louisiana.
• Julie ‘Baby Feet’ Balboni (John Goodman): A New Orleans mobster and film producer with a complicated history with Robicheaux.
• Elrod T. Sykes (Peter Sarsgaard): A troubled Hollywood actor whose discovery of a corpse in the swamp triggers a series of events.
• Bootsie Robicheaux (Mary Steenburgen): Dave’s strong and supportive wife, who provides a sense of stability in his turbulent life.
• General John Bell Hood (Levon Helm): A ghostly Confederate general who appears to Robicheaux, offering cryptic advice and insights.
• Rosie Gomez (Justina Machado): An FBI agent who partners with Robicheaux and offers a new perspective on the cases.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dave Robicheaux: “In the ancient world, people placed heavy stones on the graves of their dead so their souls would not wander and afflict the living. I always thought this was just the practice of superstitious and primitive people. But I was about to learn that the dead can hover on the edge of our vision with the density and luminosity of mist…and their claim on the earth can be as legitimate and tenacious as our own.” – Robicheaux reflects on the haunting nature of the past and its influence on the present as he investigates the murders.
• Elrod Sykes: “Ya ever see the lights in the cypress trees at night?” – Elrod tries to explain his supernatural experiences in the swamp.
• General John Bell Hood: “A desire to live doesn’t mean you lack humanity.” – The ghostly General Hood imparts his wisdom to Robicheaux as he investigates the murders.
• Twinky LeMoyne: “A lot of bad things happened back then, but we’re not the same people, are we?” – Twinky reflects on the racism of the past and questions whether society has truly changed.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $32,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $155,140
• Worldwide Gross: $7,999,896

💥 In the Electric Mist Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed the atmosphere of this movie; the bayou felt alive and almost like another character. Tommy Lee Jones was fantastic as Dave Robicheaux, really embodying the tortured soul of the character. The supernatural elements with the Confederate soldiers were a bit strange, but they added a unique layer to the story. I found myself thinking about the film and the characters long after it was over.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of crime thrillers set in the American South”
  • “Viewers interested in stories exploring themes of morality, justice, and racial tension”
  • “Those who appreciate Tommy Lee Jones’s performances”
  • “Readers of James Lee Burke’s Dave Robicheaux novels”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “References to racial violence”

Professional Reviews

• WeAreMovieGeeks.com: “A Southern Gothic mood is perfectly captured in this film. Performances are excellent, particularly Tommy Lee Jones as Dave Robicheaux and Mary Steenburgen as Bootsie. The story is complex and sad, with characters that feel incredibly real. A fine and beautiful movie.
• MovieWeb: “The script is solid, the setting is provoking, and the entire film works well with support from veteran character actors. Tommy Lee Jones uses his face to great advantage, from a stone-cold glare to a sheepish grin. The tension does not let up as the hunt draws closer and closer to the conclusion.
• IMDB: “There aren’t too many movies where you find that each and every actor seems realistic. Tommy Lee Jones is excellent as a worn-out, aging, alcoholic detective who has a strong moral sense. The script handled the issues of race relations without any preaching. The settings seemed highly realistic. The editing was excellent.

Audience Reactions

Tommy Lee Jones nailed the role of Dave Robicheaux, perfectly capturing the character’s complexity and moral code.: Viewers praised the film’s atmospheric setting, strong performances, and the way it captured the essence of the Louisiana bayou.

The Cajun atmosphere was authentic and compelling, making viewers feel like they were really there.: Fans appreciated the film’s music, the cast acting abilities, and for being a beautiful movie

Overall Consensus: Despite some mixed reviews regarding the plot’s clarity, ‘In the Electric Mist’ is generally praised for its strong performances, atmospheric setting, and Tommy Lee Jones’ portrayal of Dave Robicheaux.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the novel ‘In the Electric Mist with Confederate Dead’ by James Lee Burke, part of the Dave Robicheaux series.”
• “Bertrand Tavernier, the director, clashed with the producers over the final cut of the film. The version released in North America and the UK was shorter and different from Tavernier’s preferred cut, which was released in Europe.”
• “Several real locations in New Iberia, Louisiana, were used for filming, adding authenticity to the Cajun setting.”
• “The ghostly apparitions of Confederate soldiers add a supernatural element to the crime drama, reflecting the lingering presence of the past in the American South.”

🖥️ How to Watch In the Electric Mist?

As a film with a troubled production history, “In the Electric Mist” may be available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your preferred streaming service for availability. Physical copies on DVD or Blu-ray may also be found through online retailers or used media stores. Availability can vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed In the Electric Mist, you might like these similar films:

• Heaven’s Prisoners (1996): Also based on a Dave Robicheaux novel by James Lee Burke, featuring similar themes of crime, corruption, and the dark side of Louisiana.
• Angel Heart (1987): A neo-noir detective story set in New Orleans with supernatural undertones, exploring themes of sin and redemption.
• No Country for Old Men (2007): Features Tommy Lee Jones as a sheriff grappling with moral decay and violence in a contemporary crime story with strong Southern elements.
• True Detective: Season 1 (2014): A crime drama with a Southern Gothic atmosphere, philosophical musings, and a focus on the dark side of human nature, similar to the tone and themes of In the Electric Mist.

🛒 In the Electric Mist Related Products

• James Lee Burke’s Dave Robicheaux Series Collection: A comprehensive collection of James Lee Burke’s novels featuring Dave Robicheaux, allowing fans to delve deeper into the world of the character portrayed by Tommy Lee Jones.
• Louisiana Swamp Scenery Poster: A high-quality poster capturing the atmospheric beauty of the Louisiana bayous, reminiscent of the film’s setting.
• Civil War Confederate Soldier Action Figure: A detailed action figure of a Confederate soldier, referencing the ghostly visions in the movie.
• New Orleans Style Jazz and Blues Music Collection: A digital music compilation featuring jazz and blues tracks evoking the soundscape of New Orleans and the surrounding areas, mirroring the film’s soundtrack.

🎧 Soundtrack

In the Electric Mist features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “La Terre tremblante” – performed by Dirk Powell and Courtney Granger
• “Unknown” – performed by Buddy Guy

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

In The Electric Mist

Ever wondered what the movie ‘In the Electric Mist’ is all about? Check out this clip to get a taste of the film’s atmosphere and Tommy Lee Jones’ performance. Honestly, it’s got me intrigued to watch the whole thing!

‘In The Electric Mist’ Theme / Score Marco Beltrami

Music is a big part of any movie, and the score for ‘In The Electric Mist’ really sets the tone. Give this track a listen – it’s pretty atmospheric, and I think it’ll make you appreciate the film even more!

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