L.A. Confidential (1997) Review

L.A. Confidential is a neo-noir crime film directed by Curtis Hanson and released in 1997. Based on the novel of the same name by James Ellroy, the movie is set in Los Angeles in the 1950s and tells the story of three LAPD detectives who become embroiled in a conspiracy involving corruption, murder, and Hollywood.

The film features an outstanding ensemble cast, including Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, James Cromwell, and Kim Basinger, who won an Academy Award for her performance as Lynn Bracken. The chemistry between the actors is palpable, and they all give nuanced and complex performances.

The movie opens with a voiceover by Danny DeVito, who plays Sid Hudgens, a sleazy tabloid journalist who also serves as the film's narrator. Hudgens introduces the audience to the three main characters: Bud White (Russell Crowe), a tough and violent cop who has a soft spot for abused women; Ed Exley (Guy Pearce), an ambitious and by-the-book detective who wants to climb the ranks of the LAPD; and Jack Vincennes (Kevin Spacey), a charismatic and corrupt cop who works as a technical advisor on a TV show.

The three detectives' paths cross when a group of men are gunned down in a diner, and they each start investigating the case from their own angle. As they dig deeper, they uncover a web of corruption that implicates some of the most powerful people in the city, including police captains and Hollywood moguls.

One of the film's strengths is its portrayal of the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles. From the jazz clubs to the nightclubs to the smoky back alleys, the movie creates a vivid and immersive world that feels both glamorous and dangerous. The attention to detail in the set design and costumes is impressive, and the cinematography, by Dante Spinotti, captures the mood of the city perfectly.

The movie also delves into issues of race, power, and masculinity. Bud White, in particular, is a fascinating character study. He's a man who has been shaped by violence and trauma and who channels his rage into his job. But he's also a man who is deeply empathetic to the women he encounters, especially those who have been abused by men. Crowe gives a standout performance, balancing Bud's toughness and vulnerability with ease.

The film's depiction of women is also notable. While some of the female characters are victims of violence, they are not mere objects to be saved by the male characters. Lynn Bracken, in particular, is a complex and compelling character. Basinger's portrayal of her is nuanced and subtle, and she brings a sense of depth and humanity to a character who could have easily been reduced to a stereotype.

The movie's plot is intricate and engaging, and it keeps the audience guessing until the very end. The script, by Hanson and Brian Helgeland, is expertly crafted, with sharp dialogue and well-developed characters. The pacing is brisk, and the movie never feels slow or plodding, despite its nearly two-and-a-half-hour runtime.

The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $126 million worldwide and receiving nine Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

One of the challenges of adapting James Ellroy's novel for the screen was condensing its sprawling, multi-character narrative into a cohesive and manageable story. Hanson and Helgeland made several changes to the source material, including combining or eliminating certain characters, streamlining the plot, and altering the ending.

The film's title refers to a real-life scandal that occurred in the 1950s, known as the "Bloody Christmas" incident. In 1951, a group of LAPD officers brutally beat several Mexican-American men in custody, leading to public outrage and calls for reform within the police department.

L.A. Confidential was shot on location in Los Angeles, including at the Ambassador Hotel, the Bradbury Building, and the Formosa Cafe. The production design team meticulously recreated the city's vintage architecture and signage to capture the feel of 1950s LA.

The film features several notable cameos, including Danny DeVito as the sleazy tabloid journalist Sid Hudgens, David Strathairn as Pierce Patchett, the owner of a high-end prostitution ring, and Ron Rifkin as the corrupt District Attorney Ellis Loew.

The score for L.A. Confidential was composed by Jerry Goldsmith and features a mix of jazz, big band, and orchestral music. The soundtrack also includes several songs from the era, such as "Accentuate the Positive" and "Wanted for Murder."

The film's climax features a shootout at the fictional hotel "The Victory," which was inspired by the real-life Sunset Tower Hotel. The scene was shot over several weeks and involved dozens of extras, pyrotechnics, and practical effects.

L.A. Confidential has been cited as a major influence on contemporary crime dramas, such as The Departed, True Detective, and Breaking Bad. The film's themes of corruption, moral ambiguity, and the tension between law enforcement and organized crime continue to resonate with audiences today.

Overall, L.A. Confidential is a masterful film that showcases the best of neo-noir cinema. It's a gripping crime thriller that also manages to be a thoughtful exploration of complex themes. The acting, directing, and cinematography are all top-notch, and the movie is a testament to the power of storytelling in film. If you haven't seen it yet, do yourself a favor and check it out.