L.A. Confidential (1997)

In a time when it seems that every other movie makes some claim to being a film noir, L.A. Confidential is the real thing--a gritty, sordid tale of sex, scandal, betrayal, and corruption of all sorts (police, political, press--and, of course, very personal) in 1940s Hollywood. The Oscar-winning screenplay is actually based on several titles in James Ellroy's series of chronological thriller novels (including the title volume, The Big Nowhere, and White Jazz)--a compelling blend of L.A. history and pulp fiction that has earned it comparisons to the greatest of all Technicolor noir films, Chinatown. Kim Basinger richly deserved her Supporting Actress Oscar for her portrayal of a conflicted femme fatale; unfortunately, her male costars are so uniformly fine that they may have canceled each other out with the Academy voters: Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kevin Spacey, and James Cromwell play LAPD officers of varying stripes. Pearce's character is a particularly intriguing study in Hollywood amorality and ambition, a strait-laced "hero" (and son of a departmental legend) whose career goals outweigh all other moral, ethical, and legal considerations. If he's a good guy, it's only because he sees it as the quickest route to a promotion. --Jim Emerson Amazon.com essential video

Superb

All comments linking L.A. Confidential to film noir are absolutely valid. Nevertheless, I don't love this movie because of what it compares to - it's a milestone of cinema that stands on its own two feet. There is no superfluous scene, no useless dialog that distracts from the plot, nothing showy to cover up deficits. There are no deficits. The acting, music, cinematography, and plotline are accompanied by an irony and tragedy that makes the characters feel like much more than figures crammed into a film noir mold. Just one example: the montage accompanying Hush-Hush magazine's coverage of L.A.'s crime and corruption illustrates the bitter parallel to the glossy snapshots of glamor we think of when we hear 'Hollywood'. If you want an intelligent, complex crime story, and can handle the sight of blood, this film is for you! September 3, 2008

Best cop movie ever!

Exellent movie! Intelligent script with twist and turns and suspenseful. It takes active viewing, so when you watch this for the first time, pay attention! Almost everything said is important and relates to the story. No disappointments--except for losing to Titanic, but that is not the film's fault--just the academy's. August 17, 2008

Hanson's LA film noir

Prior to making this film noir classic in the tradition of "Chinatown", Curtis Hanson made 2 films which helped along with this film to elevate him to the A-list of directors--"The River Wild" & "The Bedroom Window" (a film noir in the tradition of Hitchcock). With the success of this film (several Oscar nominations with a win for Kim Basinger and Best Picture/Director nod), Hanson went on to make the under-rated "Wonder Boys", "8 Mile" w/Enimen and the chick flick "In Her Shoes". But none matched the success of this classic film noir based on a James Ellroy novel. Why? For one thing he had a fool-proof cast with veterans, Kevin Spacey, Danny Devito & James Cromwell matched with the 2 new Australian newcomers, Russell Crowe & Guy Pearce in their first all-American roles. Also Kim Basinger delivered a poignant Oscar winning performance as Hollywood prostitute who is redemned by her relationship with Crowe's character, Bud White. Another plus is the sharp dialogue courtesy of Ellroy and the great score by Jerry Goldsmith. If you liked "Chinatown"(which Goldsmith also contributed a memorable score) then you'll like this one. Devotees of the book may balk at the happy ending of the film versus the book but perhaps that would've lessen the films chance for box off success--who knows. If it where not for the movie about that big boat that sank, this film would've copped the Best Picture Oscar!! I can't wait for the Blu-ray release of this classic!! July 24, 2008

Intriguing

An interesting and unique noir thriller that kept me watching until the very end. I thought it to be a perfect picture of the novel, some changes here and there, but still wonderful, and definitely worth the buy, something every noir film lover should have. Every one a fan of dectective films as well will love this movie.

Keven Spacey, Kim Bassinger, Russel Crowe emblazon the scenes as hard nosed and wise cracking and defiant leads and immaculate skill as actors, they embody their characters, and empower the film in the process. Guy Pearce as the straight laced cop is excellent and though flat and sometimes predictable, he definitely makes good with what he has. Danny Devito was born to play the Sleazy Entertainer Tabloid Journalist willing to do anything for a story, the paparazzi of the fifties. This was was certaintly a masterpiece, a work of unique and entertaining genuis... BUY IT NOW. May 4, 2008

Read The Book

I cannot stress enough to avoid this movie like the plague. I used to think it was a masterful piece of cinema. Then I read the book and everything changed. My problems with this movie are the same as any other Ellroy book to movie adaptations - stories and characters are rewritten without any consideration for how it affects the overall piece, casting is done without reading the characters descriptions, and the angst and misery of the main characters is never properly conveyed. Hopefully White Jazz can break the cycle, though I have very little hope. April 24, 2008

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