L.A.
Confidential
(1997)
Rated: R
Runtime: 2 Hours and 18 Minutes
Reviewer: Erik
Grade: AWhere to start? There are too many things to like in this movie. I sure hope I hit on them all, because I want to do it justice.
"L.A. Confidential" is superb movie-making, a wickedly complex tale of the L.A.P.D. during the '50s with performances that will leave you breathless. It tells the story of a trio of police officers, one who abides by the rules, one who does not and one who wants all the headlines and the glamour, and how they all become involved in a brutal slaying at the Night Owl coffee shop.
The acting is top-notch. Guy Pearce is Ed Exley, the do-gooder cop whose loyalty and honesty soon has him climbing the ladder. Russell Crowe is Bud White, the cop willing to break the rules to get the justice he seeks. And Kevin Spacey is Jack Vincennes, the cop whose always willing to bust local potheads and other lowlifes, especially if Hush-Hush magazine and their flashing cameras are nearby. Especially convincing is Crowe's performance. He doesn't hit you over the head; He's quietly effective, calling Harrison Ford to mind.
Pinning this movie down in a few sentences simply won't do. So let's just say the movie involves a bunch of scapegoats, a lying witness, a high-class prostitution ring, a gossip columnist, mob hits, corrupt police officers, corrupt politicians and an incident inside the police station that threatens to tear its very foundations apart. Oh yeah, and don't forget the dazzling shootout at the end that somehow doesn't fall into your typical Hollywood action ending. Perhaps it's because we genuinely care about the characters? Something to think about.
"L.A. Confidential" throws you smack-dab in the middle of the bustling city. Local crimeloards vie for control of the city. Celebrities and bright lights are overabundant. Good, juicy gossip makes its way through town.
Not only is this movie good, but it's fun. "L.A. Confidential" tells a good story, has outstanding performances, a good dose of twists and turns, some action, some romance, some comedy, and has a good ol' cops-and-robbers feel to it. As stated earlier, there's a lot to like.
Easily one of the most underrated movies of recent years.