Big Nothing (2006)
A darkly comic crime caper where a blackmail scheme hatched by three hapless amateurs goes spectacularly, hilariously wrong.
Big Nothing - Movie Information
- Original Title: Big Nothing
- Release Year: 2006
- Directed by: Jean-Baptiste Andrea
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Comedy, Crime, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 26m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 1, 2006 (United Kingdom - 15), December 1, 2006 (United States - R), March 19, 2008 (Germany - 12)
- Alternative Titles: Epäonnen Konnat (FI), Полный облом (RU), 微不足道(2006) (HK), La gran nada (ES), Kleine Fische, große Pläne (DE), 小事变大 (CN)
- Production Companies: Pathe, Ingenious Film Partners, Isle of Man Film, Wales Creative IP Fund
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Big Nothing - Plot
A frustrated, unemployed teacher joins forces with a scammer and his girlfriend in a blackmailing scheme.
Big Nothing - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the chaos unfold from the very start:
They wrote the book on how not to be criminals.
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Big Nothing - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Jean-Baptiste Andrea
Main Cast
- David Schwimmer
- Simon Pegg
- Alice Eve
- Natascha McElhone
- Jon Polito
- Mimi Rogers
- William Rosenfeld
- Julian Glover
- Shauna Shim
- Sarah Edmondson
Writers
- Jean-Baptiste Andrea
- William Rosenfeld
Producers
- Gabriella Stollenwerck
- András Hámori
Big Nothing - FAQs
Who are the main actors in Big Nothing?
Big Nothing stars David Schwimmer as Charlie, a down-on-his-luck teacher, alongside Simon Pegg as the scheming Gus and Alice Eve as Josie. The supporting cast includes Natascha McElhone, Jon Polito, Mimi Rogers, and Julian Glover, rounding out this darkly comic ensemble.
What is Big Nothing about?
Big Nothing follows Charlie, a frustrated unemployed teacher who teams up with a small-time con man named Gus and his girlfriend to blackmail a local priest. What starts as a seemingly simple scheme quickly unravels into a chaotic, increasingly dangerous chain of misadventures with darkly comic consequences.
Does Big Nothing have a twist ending?
Yes — Big Nothing is well known for its string of unexpected twists, especially in its final act. The film keeps pulling the rug out from under viewers as the blackmail scheme spirals wildly out of control, delivering a darkly comedic finale that fans of crime capers tend to find genuinely surprising.
What genre is Big Nothing?
Big Nothing blends Action, Comedy, Crime, and Thriller into a fast-paced dark comedy caper. It shares DNA with films like Fargo and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels — think bungled crimes, escalating chaos, and sharp, irreverent humor throughout.
Is Big Nothing worth watching for Simon Pegg fans?
Absolutely. Simon Pegg is a highlight of Big Nothing, bringing his trademark wit and energy to the role of Gus, the fast-talking schemer at the center of the chaos. His chemistry with David Schwimmer is a genuine treat, and fans of Pegg’s comedic style will find plenty to enjoy here.
Who directed Big Nothing?
Big Nothing was directed by Jean-Baptiste Andrea, a French filmmaker who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside William Rosenfeld. Andrea brings a sharp, darkly comedic sensibility to the film, balancing its crime thriller mechanics with a playful, irreverent tone throughout.
What is the age rating for Big Nothing?
Big Nothing is rated R in the United States, reflecting its adult content including strong language, violence, and mature themes. In the United Kingdom it carries a 15 certificate, and in Germany it was rated 12. It’s best suited for mature audiences comfortable with dark humor and crime content.
What movies are similar to Big Nothing?
If you enjoyed Big Nothing, you might also like Red Rock West, The Player, or Hit Man — all crime-tinged stories with sharp twists and dark humor. For something with a similar chaotic caper energy, Trap House and High Rollers are worth checking out as well.
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