17 Years Ago, Val Kilmer and Nicolas Cage Embraced Chaos in Werner Herzog's Ruthless Crime Thriller

The 2009 film 'Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans' was a rare studio-backed movie that embraced bold storytelling.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 11:33pm

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An abstract close-up photograph of shattered glass and cracked leather, using dramatic lighting and high contrast to create a sense of raw, cinematic energy.The gritty, unconventional visuals of 'Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans' captured the film's embrace of chaos and defiance of genre conventions.New Orleans Today

In 2009, acclaimed director Werner Herzog released the crime thriller 'Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans', which starred Val Kilmer and Nicolas Cage in a story that embraced bold, chaotic filmmaking in a studio-backed production, a rarity in today's entertainment landscape.

Why it matters

The film's unconventional approach to a traditional crime story genre challenged typical studio conventions, showcasing Herzog's auteur vision and the talents of its lead actors Kilmer and Cage at a time when many big-budget movies are seen as playing it safe.

The details

Directed by the maverick filmmaker Werner Herzog, 'Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans' followed a drug-addicted New Orleans police lieutenant who becomes entangled in a world of chaos and corruption as he investigates a series of murders. The film's unorthodox style and the performances of its stars Kilmer and Cage were praised by critics for their raw energy and refusal to conform to genre expectations.

  • The film was released in 2009.

The players

Werner Herzog

A renowned German filmmaker known for his unconventional and visionary approach to cinema.

Val Kilmer

An acclaimed American actor who starred in the lead role of the film.

Nicolas Cage

A celebrated American actor who also starred in the film alongside Kilmer.

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The takeaway

The success of 'Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans' demonstrates that there is still an appetite for bold, unconventional filmmaking even within the constraints of the studio system, and that directors like Werner Herzog can push the boundaries of genre while still attracting major talent and resources.