Set in Los Angeles, United States, during the 1950’s, L.A. Confidential follows three very different police officers who become increasingly caught up in a complex web of crime, corruption and overall scandal within the city’s police department. Detective Ed Exley (Guy Pearce), Officer Wendell White (Russell Crowe) and Sergeant Jack Vincennes (Kevin Spacey) each have their own methods and ambitions, but their paths quickly begin to cross as they investigate a series of mysterious events. A very stylish and well-made crime thriller that offers an intriguing look at a very different era of Los Angeles.
Director: Curtis Hanson
Writers: James Ellroy, Brian Helgeland
Starring: Guy Pearce, Russell Crowe, Kevin Spacey, Kim Basinger, James Cromwell, Danny DeVito
Directed by Curtis Hanson and based on the novel of the same name written by James Ellroy, L.A. Confidential was brought to the big screen in 1997, gaining widespread praise following its release and earning nine Oscar nominations, winning two in the process under the categories of Best Picture and Best Actress in a Supporting Role, respectively. Despite being over twenty-five years old, the picture remains a well-regarded example of a crime thriller set in the city of Los Angeles and continues to hold up well today.
One of the primary strengths of L.A. Confidential would have to be its overall presentation. The filmmakers do an excellent job of recreating 1950’s Los Angeles, with the buildings, costumes and vehicles all helping to give the film an authentic periodic feel. Several areas of the city are showcased particularly well too, providing an interesting glimpse into Los Angeles during an era of significant change, not just within the city, but on the outskirts too. This attention to detail adds plenty of character to the overall viewing experience.
With that said, the story itself can come across as rather convoluted and heavy at times, with numerous characters and subplots gradually entering the fray and causing a little complexity in the process. However, this complexity does add a wealth of intrigue and entertainment value, especially when considering the generally fast pacing within the substantial one-hundred-and-thirty-eight-minute runtime.
In terms of the cast, three men lead the flick, commanding the majority of screentime, with Guy Pearce delivering a strong performance as Ed Exley, the ambitious, yet strong detective, while Russell Crowe and Kevin Spacey are equally as impressive, adopting the roles of Bud White and Jack Vincennes, respectively. Elsewhere, the support cast is diverse and thorough, with Kim Basinger, James Cromwell and Danny DeVito appearing in supporting roles.
All in all, L.A. Confidential is an extremely well-crafted and stylish crime thriller that does an excellent job of bringing 1950’s Los Angeles to life for the modern-day viewer. The impressive production value and strong performances mean that there is plenty to enjoy. With that said, it may require a little more concentration than some crime-based films, but the overall presentation and quality of the cast make it a worthwhile watch.
“Rollo Tamasi.“
Ed Exley – L.A Confidential
