L.A. Confidential Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
Off the record, on the QT, and very hush-hush...
Everything is suspect...everyone is for sale...and nothing is what it seems.
It's a crime saga that will shock you. It's a mystery that will keep you guessing. It's a thriller that will keep you riveted.
1950's Los Angeles is the seedy backdrop for this intricate noir-ish tale of police corruption and Hollywood sleaze. Three very different cops are all after the truth, each in their own style: Ed Exley, the golden boy of the police force, willing to do almost anything to get ahead, except sell out; Bud White, ready to break the rules to seek justice, but barely able to keep his raging violence under control; and Jack Vincennes, always looking for celebrity and a quick buck until his conscience drives him to join Exley and White down the one-way path to find the truth behind the dark world of L.A. crime.
| Kevin Spacey | Det. Sgt. Jack Vincennes |
| Russell Crowe | Officer Wendell 'Bud' White |
| Guy Pearce | Sgt. Edmund Jennings 'Ed' Exley |
| James Cromwell | Capt. Dudley Liam Smith |
| Kim Basinger | Lynn Bracken |
| Danny DeVito | Sid Hudgens |
| David Strathairn | Pierce Morehouse Patchett |
| Adam Rifkin | Dist. Atty. Ellis Loew |
| Matt McCoy | Brett Chase |
| Paul Guilfoyle | Meyer Harris 'Mickey' Cohen |
| Paolo Seganti | Johnny Stompanato |
| Graham Beckel | Det. Sgt. Richard Alex 'Dick' Stensland |
| Elisabeth Granli | Mickey Cohen's Mambo Partner |
| Steve Rankin | Officer Arresting Mickey Cohen |
| Curtis Hanson |
8.40 out of 10 (100069 votes)
Visitor Reviews
"Why did you become a cop?" "I don't remember."
posted on 25 Aug 2009There isn't much else for me to say that already hasn't been said. L.A. Confidential is a modern noir masterpiece. The performances by Pearce, Crowe and Spacey are pitch-perfect. Basinger's tragic tale earned her a well-deserved Oscar. If anything, this film's loss of the Best Picture Oscar to the sickeningly overrated Titanic was vindicated in the following years. Kevin Spacey would win an Oscar for American Beauty in 1999 and Crowe would win his in 2000's Gladiator. I've heard this compared to Chinatown and while that movie is another classic, I find L.A. Confidential to be a much more compelling viewing experience. Chinatown was more or less Jack Nicholson's movie and no one else's. L.A. Confidential has such an outstanding ensemble cast that you'll find yourself rooting for them all, every single corrupt and twisted one of them. If this movie isn't in your collection it should be, whether you're a film noir fan or not.
Riveting story and polished acting
posted on 18 Aug 2009Two detectives with radically different approaches to investigating crime become involved in a potentially lethal investigation exposing the sleazy underbelly of the 1950's police force. Superb acting performances by all, particularly Russell Crowe and Guy Pearce, who play rough cop and straight cop respectively. Beautifully filmed, evoking the spirit of the early fifties this film generates an electricity that entertains from beginning to end. Acutely deft script and intriguing plot. Rating 8/10.
Compelling Drama From Curtis Hanson
posted on 12 Aug 2009A study of life in Los Angeles and corruption within the Police Force of the City of Angels in the early 1950's, `L.A. Confidential,' directed by Curtis Hanson, is an intense, compelling drama starring Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe and Guy Pearce. It's a time of growth in Southern California; freeways are on the drawing board, glitz and glamor abounds in Hollywood, and there's a lot of money to be made, especially for anyone with the right connections. But there's a dark undercurrent running throughout the city as well. The criminal element is thriving under the auspices of gangster Mickey Cohen, and it's a time when certain officers of the law tend to mete out their own, personal brand of justice, which doesn't necessarily land them on the right side of the fence, nor of the law. There's graft within the L.A.P.D., and a prevalent misuse of authority and lack of ethics that begins at the top, filters down and permeates the entire force. And when Cohen finally goes to jail, a number of his `associates' begin turning up dead, and strange and untoward things begin to happen in and around Hollywood. Finally, a nocturnal massacre at a place called the `Nite Owl Cafe' kicks off an investigation that ultimately involves two young officers, Bud White (Crowe) and Ed Exley (Pearce), and a veteran of the narcotics squad, Jack Vincennes (Spacey). And it isn't long before the proverbial can of worms is wrenched open and, needless to say, many lives are soon destined to be changed forever. Working from an intelligent and extremely well written script (co-written by Hanson and Brian Helgeland, adapted from the novel by James Ellroy), Hanson delivers this tightly woven, intricate story with a deft hand and an eye for detail that transports the audience to another time and place. At the heart of the tale are White and Exley, both of whom are passionate about their work and the pursuit of justice, though they differ greatly in their respective methods and basic perceptions of how things should be and why.
And it's this contrast in personalities that becomes the impetus for the drama; what makes these guys tick, and which buttons can be pushed (and by whom) to get them going. It's an examination of the complexities of human nature, and Hanson handles it all with skill and precision. If you hadn't noticed Russell Crowe before this film, you will forever after. His screen presence here is explosive, and he brings an intensity to his character that is almost unsettling. You can see it in his eyes; the turmoil lying just beneath the surface, ready to erupt at any moment. You can feel it just watching him. It's a dynamic, multi-layered performance that is unforgettable. Guy Pearce turns in a notable performance as well, entirely credible and believable, though he lacks Crowe's charisma and presence. But, admittedly, the character of Exley doesn't command the sympathy that White's does; White, despite his propensity for violent action, exhibits a vulnerability that is absent in Exley, who comes off as rather cold and inaccessible. But again, it's the differences between these two that gives the movie it's momentum. Kevin Spacey also turns in another outstanding performance as the slick, self-assured `celeb' of the force, Jack Vincennes, the cop whose ethics have become self-serving and who's lost sight of why he joined the department in the first place. Spacey readily conveys the fact that there is more to Vincennes than meets the eye, which we discover as the story unfolds. And it's when we learn what's hidden beneath the surface that we realize what a terrific job Spacey has done in bringing this character to life. And, not to be outdone by her co-stars, Kim Basinger (Lynn Bracken) turns in a performance as a Veronica Lake look-alike that won her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. With a supporting cast that includes Danny DeVito (Sid), David Strathairn (Pierce Patchett), Ron Rifkin (D.A. Ellis Loew) and Matt McCoy (Brett Chase), `L.A. Confidential' is an entertaining, absorbing drama that will linger in your memory for days after you've seen it. Filmed on location in and around L.A. and Hollywood, this is a superlative piece of filmmaking that must be seen, especially by anyone who truly loves movies that are made the way movies `ought' to be made; this is one of them. I rate this one 10/10.
best movie of 1997
posted on 09 Aug 2009Once in a while a movie comes along that is perfect,one such movie,is Curtis Hansons 1997 crime noir masterpiece L.a.Confidential.The movie that should have won the 1997 Academy Award for best picture.It was by far superior to Titanic in every way,I mean the story was great,fantastic cast,awesome costumes and sets,even the music and score were well done Don't get me wrong Titanic is a good movie,but the screenplay was weak.I mean I must consider L.a.Confidential to be my alltime favorite movie.I strongly suggest for those who haven't seen it yet to do so.
and always "Hush Hush"...
posted on 06 Aug 2009I loved this movie I thought it was great. The way the movie is set up so that you are forced to discover things as the main characters do was a great element. I also liked the way the reputation of Exley's character changed. At first he was seen as a whiney little brat just trying to get ahead. But slowly he began to earn respect with the other officers. And soon he was being known as shotgun Ed. I also liked Russell Crowe's character a lot too. The idea of a guy who goes around defending helpless women was an interesting addition and sometimes comical. For instance when the suspects from the night owl murder case begin to talk about raping some girl Russell begins to tense up then BAM the chair in front of him snaps like a twig under the stress of his hands and he flies like a bat out of hell to try and learn how to save a girl in need. In the end the movie creates a very good story.
WOW!!!!
posted on 19 Jul 2009My friend was dropping by with some LaserDiscs, and had, by mistake taken L.A. Con with him. I had not seen it, and was not going to. But thank God I did. This is one of the best film I've seen in many years. The acting is outstanding, and the use of the panavision scope is fantastic. This film is a "only in letterbox". Go get it. NOW
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!
posted on 11 Jul 2009This has to be one of the best movies I have ever seen where crime, sex, and all that other typical crime/detective movie stuff does not make this a corny, dry film. Russell Crowe does an outstanding job as a cop with an attitude. I dont't think I've ever seen a film where a role like what he played was played so well. Excellent plot and an all around bad-ass movie!!!!!!!
A beautiful love letter to classic crime cinema
posted on 07 Jul 2009Director Curtis Hanson, according to Arnon Milchan in the L.A. Confidential DVD supplement, was the perfect choice to adapt (along with Brian Helgeland) James Ellroy's novel. It certainly shows. Favoring rich characterizations over strict plotting, the movie retains many of the novel's key set pieces and enough twists and turns to keep even hard-boiled audiences happy. Pearce, Crowe, Spacey, and Basinger all shine in roles seemingly tailor-made for them -- another credit to Hanson's canny sensibility about the material. Period detail is delicious, with stunning set design, costumes and wonderful tunes by the likes of Johnny Mercer, Chet Baker, and Dean Martin. Some critics complained that the film was "overlong," but repeated viewings reveal the opposite -- a tightly crafted picture among the best of its kind.
Confidentially, Guy Pearce stole the show.
posted on 26 Jun 2009Terrific movie from start to finish. Guy Pearce got third billing but his was the most complex and difficult role, and he did a superb job. I hope he keeps in mind that his American fans know him as the straight arrow, Lt.Ed Exley -- or, Major Biggs, in "Rules of Engagement". We all know that actors like to 'stretch' but to keep a loyal fan base, he must bring back, from time to time, the man we can admire and respect.
Off the record, on the QT, and very…. Hush hush.
posted on 22 Jun 2009That sums up the epitome of L.A. Confidential. It presents to us the sordid realism of the early 50's, in the way we haven't seen it. Most of us are used to the sugary `Gene Kelly/ Rock Hudson' sunshine utopia that was, in the MGM `Golden Age'. L.A. Confidential shows us the gritty, seedy underworld of this period. And a brilliant job it does aswell. This deft, elegant portrait succeeds on every level. The stars are well suited to their roles and present their own unique styles. Guy Pearce is brilliant as the smart, thinking detective while Russell Crowe delivers equal oomph as the polar opposite to this; the tough no nonsense brood. Kim Basinger won an Oscar for her performance and rightfully so. She not only resembles but also mimics the `50's slut' to great effect. The only person who didn't stand out was Kevin Spacey. He didn't do much with his role, was highly unmemorable and gave a very vague performance. He's more of a decoration than the main star. Danny Devito is short and annoying in the usual `seedy journalist' style, but still very convincing. The opening documented narrative sequence establishes the film's unique style and slick dissection of life. The film's direction is never less than superb. The editing, settings and cinematography are top notch. Add on to this a great script and you have a classic. Perhaps it is a bit overrated, but it is also undeniably compelling. Overall, `L.A. Confidential' is a brilliant film. 8.3/10.
Absolutely superb thriller... shame about the ending
posted on 05 Jun 2009If you missed LA Confidential first time round then you're in for an absolute treat. It's classy, clever and has more twists & turns than you can shake a tail feather at. And if you've seen it before it's even better second or third time through. In fact it's made for DVD - particularly in the last 45 minutes - when you can rewind key segments to keep up with what has to be one of the fastest, complex and most exciting plots you'll come across. The film just oozes atmosphere, with Kim Bassinger's incredibly seductive performance, beautiful cinema-photography and a wonderfully low key soundtrack easing you into what is, in the end, an intensely violent & gripping story.
Brilliant and perfectly pitched there's just one flaw... why on earth did they stick in the last ten minutes. (And, if you haven't seen the film, please do stop here because it really could spoil your enjoyment of it)... it's as though, after constructing a believable and incredibly malevolent thriller someone said "it's a bit too black, we need a happy ending, so let's make sure the good guys come through". Which is a great shame because it's just not up there with the "feel" of it all - in the world that you've been sucked into and which, by now, you're quite ready to accept, good guys don't simply drive off into the sunset.
Five stars?... definitely, despite its key flaw. But, with a bit more bravery in keeping it going where it logically should have ended up, it could and should have been so much better.
Loved the element of surprise.
posted on 04 Jun 2009Excellent!What I appreciated most besides the acting and art direction was the element of surprise; lots of plot twists and unexpected developments. I think we can all agree that most films these days are very predictable. This movie was not, and yet didn't sacrifice its integrity.I am sorry to say, however, that I did not find Kim Basinger's performance (while adequate) worthy of an Oscar.
Great film, but takes a couple of watches to understand
posted on 30 May 2009I love this movie, but I must warn everyone that it is nearly impossible to comprehend everything in the first watch. There are so many characters with different agendas, that it can be difficult to keep up. Still, though, this film noir modern classic has enough interesting characters and plot turns to keep even the most critical person interested. It is a long film, but not boring. In fact, it sweeps along so well that one forgets the time. The players I really enjoyed were Russell Crowe as Bud White, the tough cop with a vulnerable interior, and Kevin Spacey as "Hollywood" Jack Vincennes, the cop who has slowly lost himself in corruption. The visual style of the film, mixed in with the great music and incredible cast make up for one of the most amazing movies ever to exist. The only problem I had was Kim Basinger. Although she did a very good job as Lynn Bracken, I just can't see how she won the Oscar for best supporting actress. I didn't think she was THAT good.
It's in the writing
posted on 17 May 2009Reading the comments, I find few viewers seemed to have read James Ellroy's LA Trilogy, on which LA Confidential is based. The Big Nowhere, LA Confidential and White Jazz comprise the Dudley Smith story; Smith is the only constant in all three. None of the heroes are in Nowhere, Buzz Meeks being gunned down by Dudley while trying to escape, having hidden the heroin. Buzz White survives Confidential along with Exley, and White does go off to Arizona, but Smith still lives and rides high. In Jazz, Ed Exley~~Guy Pearce~~and Smith do battle for the soul of David Klein, who in the end brings down Smith. Of the three, Confidential is surely the most complicated since with the heroin out there somewhere, many more players are involved.Hanson's genius is to shorten the story, eliminating Nowhere entirely, and bringing Dudley his retribution without Dave Klein being involved. He eliminates so many back stories: Exley's father is alive in the book, and a powerful politico to boot and this is just one difference, but in clarifying and making the story shorter, he almost makes it better. The murder of Vincennes is a brilliant touch, along with the code name Rollo Tomassi.Both the books and the film are pulse pounders, intense to the core. My late wife, who could never sit through any film without getting up for a cigarette, was immobilized, and by the end was screaming "Kill him" as Exley watched Smith depart. If I had one slight criticism, it would be the cleaning up of some of the language about the original suspects in the Nite Owl killings, but make no mistake about it, this is the film for the 90's, and the only 1997 Oscar nominee worth watching. Hurrah for Curtis Hanson.
better than the book
posted on 14 May 2009I recently read James Ellroy's novel, and could not see how they could make a movie of it. It's huge and has three major plots. When I read the synopsis here on imdb, I rented the film. My husband, who has not read the book, and I both gave it an 8. The major plot line involving a Disney-like person that was discarded was no loss. It was a bit over the top. The movie is better without it. The characters were very true to the book, and I thought Kim Basinger was very good, but too old for the part. She's supposed to be about 28. Russell Crowe looked like a kid next to her.I liked the clear sound and the good light. It would have been very easy to make this dark and murky as has been the rage since the really fast films were invented.
Noir for Now
posted on 11 May 2009Perhaps it is because he had the benifit of watching older Noir from the 50's and even more modern marvels such as "Chinatown", but whatever Curtis Hanson drew from, it worked. This film is so intensely gratifying that it is easy to excuse the one mistake I believe it to have: Bud White should be dead. Or, don't show him getting shot 20 times, and then we'll believe that he's okay. Aside from that, the film is shot well, the acting is extraordinary, the dialogue is rich and compelling, and its just really enjoyable. It is a great film is also a great book.
Noir Par Excellence
posted on 03 May 2009L.A. Confidential is Curtis Hanson's masterpiece. Overlook the flaws--especially the stereotypical characters--and see that it's all a part of the genre. The film noir does use stereotypes, and this movie takes that genre and makes it into a wonderful story of the gray between good and bad. There's the police thug who hates women beaters. There's the political good guy who won't compromise for anything. There's the gorgeous prostitute. There's the smarmy celebrity cop. There's even the loathsome smut-mag publisher. And none of them are quite what they seem. Each one changes over the course of the film, or we at least see a different side to every one of them.
It's watching these stereotypes develop (albeit in their generic ways) that makes this movie fun. That and the amazing shoot 'em up scene at the end. When the two protagonists make their final stand, you know it's coming, and it still keeps you on the edge of your seat. That's the sign of a good movie, and L.A. Confidential continues to deliver, even at a second and third viewing.
"This is the city of the angels, and you haven't got any wings."
posted on 23 Apr 2009"This is the city of the angels, and you haven't got any wings." It sounds like something out of a 1950's detective noir, but in fact it's just one of the many brilliant lines of dialog in Curtis Hanson's stunning detective drama "L.A. Confidential". Set in 1953, L.A. Confidential follows the stories (mainly) of three police officers: A sharp, straight laced, political animal, played by Guy Pearce, a violent brute with a hatred of women beaters, played by Russell Crowe, and a smooth talking, part time TV technical adviser, played by Kevin Spacey, all whom are giving A + performances. Other wonderful characters include Captain Dudley Smith, played by James Cromwell, and Veronica lookalike hooker Lynn Bracken, played by Kim Basinger (who won the Oscar).After a horrible shooting at a late night coffee shop in which six people (one of them a former cop) are brutally shot, the rather corrupt L.A.P.D begins an investigation, which leads all three of our main detectives on a winding, dangerous road of murder, Hollywood glamor, and mayhem.The story is crafted brilliantly, with new layers being added to the story as it unfolds. We see how minor characters are connected in ways that are vital to the plot, and how in the end everything fits like a jigsaw puzzle.The screenplay, written by Brian Helgeland and director Curtis Hanson, is top notch, with well rounded characters and cracking dialog. The set direction and costumes are perfect for the 1950's, and the cinematography is beautiful. Overall this is a film which I highly recommend to anyone who likes detectives, period pieces, or just a good story.This is not B.S. I'm telling you. Just the facts.
excellent story line.
posted on 30 Aug 2009kim bassinger gets an oscar for what ? certainly not her acting . give me a break !!