Big Easy Express (2012)
Three beloved folk acts, one vintage train, and an unforgettable journey from Oakland to New Orleans captured on film.
Big Easy Express - Movie Information
- Release Year: 2012
- Directed by: Emmett Malloy
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Documentary, Music
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 6m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 17, 2012 (United States - NR)
- Production Companies: Woodshed Films Inc., S2BN Films
- Production Countries: United States of America
Big Easy Express - Plot
Indie folk heroes Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Tennessee's Old Crow Medicine Show, and Britain's acclaimed Mumford & Sons, climbed aboard a beautiful vintage train in California, setting out for New Orleans, Louisiana on a "tour of dreams". The resulting film from this journey is nothing short of magical. Part road movie and part concert film, BIG EASY EXPRESS bears witness to the birth of a new musical era. With poignancy and beauty, Malloy documents these incredible musicians as they ride the rails and wow the crowds, from Oakland… to New Orleans.
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Big Easy Express - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Emmett Malloy
Main Cast
- Ted Dwane
- Alex Ebert
- Winston Marshall
- Marcus Mumford
- Ben Lovett
- Ketch Secor
Producers
- Tim Lynch
Big Easy Express - FAQs
What is Big Easy Express about?
Big Easy Express follows Mumford & Sons, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, and Old Crow Medicine Show as they board a vintage train in California and roll toward New Orleans. Part road movie, part concert film, it captures spontaneous performances, backstage camaraderie, and the electric energy of three beloved folk acts sharing the rails.
Which bands are featured in Big Easy Express?
The film spotlights three acts: British folk-rock outfit Mumford & Sons, California indie collective Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, and Tennessee old-time string band Old Crow Medicine Show. Together they form an unlikely but perfectly matched lineup that turns a cross-country train ride into a rolling musical celebration.
Where can you watch Big Easy Express?
You can watch Big Easy Express on Apple TV — it's available to rent or buy through the Apple TV Store. It's a short but sweet 66-minute watch, making it an easy pick for a music-filled evening.
Is Big Easy Express a concert film or a documentary?
It's genuinely both. Director Emmett Malloy blends live concert footage with candid road-trip moments, giving the film a warm, intimate feel. You get the thrill of live performances alongside the quieter, human side of touring — conversations, landscapes rolling by, and musicians simply enjoying each other's company.
Who directed Big Easy Express?
Emmett Malloy directed the film. Known for his work in music video and documentary filmmaking, Malloy brings a lyrical, observational eye to the journey, letting the music and the landscape speak for themselves rather than imposing a heavy narrative structure.
What is the train route in Big Easy Express?
The bands board a beautiful vintage train in Oakland, California, and travel all the way to New Orleans, Louisiana. The journey unfolds across the American South, with the changing scenery serving as a visual backdrop that perfectly complements the roots-influenced music being played on board.
How long is Big Easy Express?
Big Easy Express runs 66 minutes — lean and focused, with no filler. It's short enough to feel like a single immersive experience rather than a drawn-out documentary, which suits the spontaneous, freewheeling spirit of the train journey it captures.
What are similar films to Big Easy Express?
If you loved Big Easy Express, check out The Last Waltz (1978), Martin Scorsese's legendary farewell concert film, or Stop Making Sense (1984), the iconic Talking Heads documentary. Amazing Grace (2018), capturing Aretha Franklin in her prime, and Live Aid (1985) are also fantastic picks for music documentary fans.
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