Tom Waits, born in 1949 in Whittier, California, is renowned for his deep, gravelly voice and vivid storytelling. He appears as a performer in Big Time (1988), a film that captures his theatrical stage presence and eclectic musical style. As both an actor and writer for the film, Waits blends his musical roots with the gritty aesthetics of cult cinema, reflecting the underbelly of society that permeates his work. His contributions to Big Time exemplify the intersection of music and film, making him a distinctive figure in the realm of exploitation and avant-garde cinema.
Big Time
Combining performance footage of Tom Waits and his band with dramatic set pieces, this unique concert film showcases Waits' many talents. Waits plays a number of different characters in short vignettes, such as a ticket taker and a lighting operator. These scenes also incorporate Waits performing songs, which are taken mostly from his "Frank" albums. As the film moves across different areas of the theater, Waits also performs a series of monologues, demonstrating adept showmanship.
