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L.A. Confidential Customer Reviews (28 - 30 of 61 Reviews)

"A perfect picture!"
In the tradition of such post-noir, polished policiers as CHINATOWN, this richly detailed crime thriller is not just a throwback to the glory days of the hard-boild 1940s crime thrillers, L.A. CONFIDENTIAL is the real thing. The plot is as convoluted as in THE BIG SLEEP, the characters as interesting as in THE MALTESE FALCON, and the brutality and violence as relevant as in TOUCH OF EVIL or THE BIG HEAT. But it doesn't follow in the stride of other noirs. Like the masterpiece CHINATOWN it takes its own strides and has a life of its own. The production design and costumes perfectly recreate the era, but we soon forget, as we become totally involved and engrossed in this dizzying story of crime, betrayal, blackmail, greed, corruption, and most other film noir subjects that come to mind. It plays out beautifully, and every performance is magnificent, particularily Kim Basinger's Veronica Lake look-alike Lynn Bracken (deservedly taking the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress). The male performers all match each other, from Kevin Spacey's smooth Vincennes, Guy Pierce's ruthless "good-guy" Edmund Exley, Russel Crowe's tough-guy Bud White, to James Cromwell's crooked Dudley. The film deservedaly won over the critics for Best Picture of the year. It also recieved nine Oscar nominations, but sadly, in the wake of the technical landmark Titanic, it won only two, for Kim Basinger and for Curtis Hansonn and Brian Helgeland's brilliant screenplay, adapted form several of author James Ellroy's crime novels. Without a doubt, this is far and away the Best Picture of 1997, and indeed one of the best movies of the 1990s, but it also stands as one of the great film noirs. A stylish and spectacular detective yarn of corrupted justice, that goes beneath the Hollywood glamour of the '40s, and consistently dazzles. A perfect picture!

L.A. Landmarks, Notorious Gangsters, Make for Great Noir
This review refers to the Special Edition Warner Bros DVD....

Famous landmarks of Los Angeles,notorious gangsters of the past, and a classic TV series combine with a great fictional tale of murder, police corruption and romance for one terrific modern film noir.

Set in the early 50's, when Los Angeles was still a town growing up,a drug lord, a bloody multiple murder dubbed "The Night Owl Murders",a rape case, and a millionaire running a prostitution racket are all under investigation. Three detectives, all with their own personal ambitions, with the help of a sleezy tabloid writer,and a beautiful prostitute, find their paths crossing at several junctures of the investigation. Everyone seems to be connected and all roads lead to a surprising and horrifying discovery.I'll leave the story at that so as not to give away to much of this intricate mystery.

The characters are enthralling and bigger than life. Get involved with Bud White(Russell Crowe), the strong arm detective who is useful in beating confessions out of prisoners.He also has a big problem with anyone who may abuse women. Jack Vincennes(Kevin Spacey), the detective who is all about what's in it for him.He is the technical advisor for a Dragnet like TV show, and is all show himself.Ed Exley(Guy Pearce), the seemingly mild mannered detective, but will do what it takes to get ahead.The Veronica Lake look alike prostitute(Kim Basinger), the sleezy tabloid writer(Danny Devito), the harsh Chief of Detectives(James Cromwell) and the mysterious millioniare(David Strathairn) will all keep you involved as well.

Also very much part of the plot are actual people, places and events of historical importance to the time and setting. Mickey Cohen, notorious drug kingpin,The "Bloody Christmas" fiasco, The "Formosa Cafe"(built in 1929 and sits across from Goldwyn Studios, frequented by many movie stars in the past), Hollywood Blvd, and the Pantages Theatre(home of the Academy Awards in the 50's)just to name a few.

It's a great film all around. Especially for Noir and mystery lovers. It's got action,romance and an intriguing plot.Directed by Curtis Hanson who really takes you back to the L.A. of the 50's. The musical score by Jerry Goldsmith mixed with other songs of the era add to the feeling for the time and place.

The DVD can be viewed in English or French, both in the 5.1 Dolby Surround, which is fabulous.It is in wdiescreen on a dual layer format. I only noticed one ot two quick little pauses that the dual layer sometimes causes. It wasn't anything distracting from the film. The colors were beautiful and the picture clear and pleasing. There are some fun extras on this DVD. Navigate through the "Hush Hush Headliners" and you'll discover all kinds of goodies. There's a map tour of the film's key locations, there are some interviews with the cast and Curtis Hanson that are real informative, and you can isolate the score if desired. Plus much more(see tech info for complete list). All in all a great DVD. If you already know you love this film, go for it!

"So remember Dear Readers, You heard it here first. Off the record, On the Q.T. and Very...HUSH HUSH..."(Danny Devito)....Laurie

An epic period piece
A lot of people agree that CHINATOWN, starring Jack Nicholson, is one of the best modern film noires since the genre's heyday. I'd like to say that L.A. CONFIDENTIAL is well on its way to taking it over. Bud White (Russell Crowe), Ed Exley (Guy Pearce), and "Hollywood" Jack Vincennes (Kevin Spacey) uncover a major coupe in the city's organized crime ring and the twists just keep on comin'. With charged action scenes, heavy drama and loads of style, L.A. Confidential is easily one of the best films of the nineties. Kim Basinger won an Oscar for her turn as Lynn Bracken, a Veronica Lake lookalike who's the only character in the film with nothing to hide. The extras on the DVD are just great, including the screen tests of Crowe and Pearce and the discovery that the first retro-gangster American film in a long time is headlined by two Australian actors. With an all star cast, tight direction and an award winning screenplay, L.A. Confidential is a tough one to beat. For all you fifties music lovers, you're gonna die for the sound track. One of my top ten favorite movies ever, I very highly recommend it.

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