Documentary Cult Classic

Tom Waits transforms the stage into a surreal cabaret of music, monologue, and character.

BIG TIME

The concert was "the best live performance of the year." The movie is BIG TIME.

1988 · 1h 27m · PG · Documentary · IMDB TMDB

Bringing his unique sense of humor to this bizarre and original piece of moviemaking, Tom Waits takes the audience through a musical journey with his jazzy, quirky, bluesy tunes presented as you would never, ever, ever expect.

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Quick Answer

What is Big Time about?

Big Time is a 1988 American documentary directed by Chris Blum that captures Tom Waits performing live music and dramatic vignettes, blending concert footage with surreal theatrical set pieces.

Programmer's Pick

Only Tom Waits could turn a concert into a fever dream of monologues, surreal characters, and bluesy swagger. Big Time is both a musical showcase and a glimpse into the wonderfully weird mind of its creator—smoke, shadow, and offbeat humor included.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Big Time is not your typical concert film. Here, Tom Waits invites viewers into a theatrical universe where concert footage is seamlessly interwoven with surreal dramatic vignettes. Waits himself inhabits a variety of characters, from a ticket taker to a lighting operator, each adding layers of humor and oddball storytelling to the music. The film journeys through different areas of the theater, offering monologues and performances that draw heavily from Waits' 'Frank' albums. With a supporting band and an eclectic cast of performers, this documentary showcases Waits’ dynamic stage presence, inventive showmanship, and distinctive musical style, all wrapped in a package that's jazzy, quirky, and unmistakably original.

Details & Specs

Director: Chris Blum
Writers: Kathleen Brennan, Tom Waits
Release: 1988
Runtime: 1h 27m
Country: United States of America
Language: English
Genres: Documentary
Also Known As: Tom Waits: Big Time

Cast & Crew

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Director: Chris Blum Writers: Kathleen Brennan +1 more

Tom Waits Self

Michael L. Blair Musician

Ralph Carney Musician

Greg Cohen Musician

Marc Ribot Musician

Willie Schwarz Musician MK Miss Keiko Featured Performer GT Gerty the Monkey Featured Performer AB Adam Bomb Spanish Announcer (voice)

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Why Cult

Surreal Concert Experience

Performance footage and dramatic set pieces blur the line between concert and theater, making every sequence unpredictable.

Multiple Characters

Tom Waits transforms into a ticket taker, a lighting operator, and more, infusing the film with quirky, theatrical energy.

Songs from 'Frank' Albums

The musical setlist draws primarily from Waits' celebrated 'Frank' albums, offering fans a fresh take on familiar tunes.

Eccentric Cast

Alongside Waits, the film features musicians, featured performers (including Gerty the Monkey), and surreal moments you won't find in any other concert film.