Harry Shearer . . . Chances are you do not recognize his name. You may even recognize his face from film and television, but still have trouble placing him. How about Ned Flanders, Montgomery Burns, and Principal Skinner? Those names are undeniably more identifiable. Harry Shearer is the man behind those familiar voices (and many, many others) from the long running animated TV show The Simpsons. Shearer's film and television career has spanned over five decades, including a stint as a cast member on Saturday Night Live (1979-85) and his most famous live action role - bassist Derek Smalls in the cult classic This is Spinal Tap. Shearer also possesses a noteworthy career behind the camera, as a writer, director, and producer in television, film, and theater. His work as an actor, voice-over artist, musician, author, and radio personality has garnered Shearer tremendous acclaim, including several Emmy and Grammy nominations.
With his new documentary, The Big Uneasy, New Orleans resident Harry Shearer attempts to wade through the long-since receded flood waters and crumbled levees to expose the past and current flaws in New Orleans' hurricane protection. The film provides insider perspective on a disaster that could have been prevented with adequate planning and defenses. Through computer simulations, never-seen-before footage, and interviews with experts, investigators, and a "whistle-blower from the Army Corps of Engineers," Shearer reveals that "some of the same flawed methods responsible for the levee failure during Katrina are being used to rebuild the system expected to protect the new New Orleans from future peril." Also, with the help of fellow New Orleanian John Goodman, Shearer intimately examines the unique city of New Orleans and its endearing people, most notably why people choose to live here and why rebuilding is so important.
With the fifth anniversary of Katrina upon us, an influx of films, news coverage, and events are taking place throughout the city, Gulf Coast, and nation - including Spike Lee's Katrina follow-up If God is Willing and Da Creek Don't Rise airing on HBO Aug 23rd and 24th (read my article on that film here) and various major networks' news coverage (a list of which can be found here). With his genuine love for the city, notable history of political commentary, and journalism skills, Shearer's perspective on Katrina's causes and aftermath should be greatly valued and appreciated. The Big Uneasy is a welcome and important piece of the anniversary coverage.
Although the film premieres at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art on Thursday, Aug 26th, The Big Uneasy is set to play in theaters nationwide for one night only, Monday, August 30th - the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Several Louisiana theaters will be taking part in this single night event: the Mall of Louisiana's Rave Theater in Baton Rouge, the Grand 16 theaters in Slidell and Lafayette, and in New Orleans: the Theatres at Canal Place (7:30 & 9 pm) and the Prytania Theatre (4:30 & 9:30 pm). Harry Shearer will be in attendance at the Prytania Theatre screening and will participate in special Q&A session with the audience immediately following the film. Tickets for the Prytania showing and Q&A can be purchased online or at the theatre box office for $8.50. Tickets for the screenings at Canal Place can be purchased online or at the theatre box office for $10.00.
The film is rated PG-13 and has a run time of 1 hr. 35 mins. Watch the trailer for the film here. Please visit the film's official website at www.thebiguneasy.com and also follow it on twitter @TheBigUneasy and on Facebook here.
Also, be sure to check out Harry Shearer's hilarious performance in the Prytania Theatre's special midnight showing of This is Spinal Tap on Friday, Aug 27 and Sturday, Aug 28, as part of the theatre's wonderful Midnite Movies series - a full schedule of which can be found here.
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Comments
Married With Children guy??
Harry Shearer was never on Married With Children as a cast member or guest star. I think you may be thinking of Marcy's first husband, "Steve Rhodes." He was played by David Garrison, who does look a good bit like Shearer.
I cant believe its already been 5 years. Seems like just yesterday. New ORleans has come a long way though. Proud to call it home.
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