King Of Herrings

2013 • 80 minutes

About this movie

An off beat look at four layabouts from New Orleans, who dream big in a small change world of cards, women and endless cups of coffee. Their passionate blundering, like their rants, can be at once funny, poignant, ridiculous and heartbreaking. “Ditch” their self appointed king, is an irascible son of a bitch with a Napoleon complex, and his pals love him for it. Until one day he pushes the self tenured “Professor” too far. A game of threats, posturing and sexual ploys lead them down a dark but comic road in this exploration of what it is to be a man today. Filmed in black and white, this richly textured character study could be the bastard child of Woody Allen and Tom Waits, brought to life by an ensemble of real life character actors who have known each other and worked together for over twenty five years.

Ratings and reviews

Wow! I really love this movie! Brilliant all the way around--writing, acting, directing and music. Star, writer and co-director Eddie Jemison--who you've seen in all the Oceans movies--knocks it out of the park here with a sad but very funny tale of some Tom Waitsian New Orleans buddies and the women in their lives. Really wonderful ensemble acting with a standout performance by Laura Lamson as Jemison's wife (and they are married in real life, too). Highly recommended.

This funny, haunting, odd film draws you in scene by scene until you find yourself captured emotionally. And very much moved. Some of the best acting in any independent film. (The lovely Laura Lamson is a find!) with some beautiful, arresting camera work (Sean Richardson). All in black and white. King of Herrings presents a curious and fascinating little world. Set on the rough edges of New Orleans, this strange tale tumbles out with ever increasing tension, implied violence and a few rare moments of beauty.

I was just browsing and this caught my eye. I was in the mood for something a little different and decided to give it a try. It was fantastic! Way over and above what I expected. Like a little gift out of the blue. A fun, quirky script and a great cast (And the woman who plays the wife is the most beautiful woman I've seen on screen since Grace Kelly [I'm just sayin'.]. There should be more movies like this.