In 1990, crime novelist, James Ellroy published a novel titled, “L.A. Confidential.” The third installment of a book series, “L.A. Quartet” takes place in the early 1950s following three detectives with distinctive personalities. Ed Exley, Bud White & Jack Vincennes investigate a string of murders in the underbelly of Los Angeles filled with sin and corruption. The book earned positive reactions from critics and readers alike. Seven Years Later, Curtis Hanson adapted it into a film casting then unknowns Guy Pearce & Russell Crowe in leading roles.
Released in 1997, (same year Final Fantasy VII came out) it received unanimous praise from critics and movie goers alike. Besides, praise, the film became a commercial hit at the box office. L.A. Confidential earned Kim Bassinger, (Best Supporting Actress) Curtis Hanson & Brian Helgeland (Best Adapted Screenplay) Oscars. In 2015, the Library of Congress handpicked L.A. Confidential for preservation in the National Film Registry.
It’s officially Awards Season. Meaning, the Golden Globes, Screen Actor Guild, Independent Spirit Awards & Academy Awards will air/stream in 2025. I wanna share my thoughts on this neo-noir mystery thriller. I like neo-noir. Especially detective stories. Which detective movie should I watch and review next? Please leave a comment.
This review contains no crucial SPOILERS.
Right & Wrong Qualities
Right: Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kevin Spacey, (a disgusting fiend) James Cromwell, Kim Basinger & Danny DeVito all did an excellent job for their respective performances.
Fun Fact: Russell & Kim later appeared in Shane Black’s “The Nice Guys.”
Curtis Hanson (Wonder Boys, 8 Mile) did a superb job directing. He also co-wrote the script with Brian Thomas Helgeland (Mystic River, Man on Fire, The Taking of Pelham 123 remake) and produced the film.
Jerry Goldsmith (Alien, Rambo series, Total Recall) orchestrated the soundtrack.
Cinematography was shot carefully.
Pacing didn’t feel like a drab. I was hooked since the Opening Scene.
Set Pieces and Costume Designs were crafted by decorators reflecting the early 1950s.
This film’s historically accurate. Be warned, there’s racism. It was wrong then and it’s wrong now. It wasn’t fun living in the 1950s.
Bud White’s introduction reveals the film takes place around Christmas. I consider L.A. Confidential as a Christmas movie. I forgot to mention I’m also reviewing a few Christmas movies before 2024 ends.
I’m giving this film credit for influencing Rockstar Games’ “L.A. Noire.” Cole Phelps is based on Guy Pearce’s performance. I want more similar games playing a detective solving cases. If you haven’t played L.A. Noire, it’s a pretty good game.
Primary Themes are Corruption, Brutality, Justice & Redemption. Each one’s handled carefully.
Mr. DeVito’s character, Sid Hudgens narrates the Opening Scene. Every time I hear his voice, I think of him narrating, “Matilda.” A childhood guilty pleasure of mine.
A Plot Twist changes everything. I can’t tell you all about it. You’ll have to see for yourself. Upon first viewing, it’s worth a rewatch for subtle clues.
Wrong: An early romance between two people happened way too soon. If this were real life, it would take a few weeks or months for two people to get to know one another until a relationship is fully established.
The Final Verdict: A-
L.A. Confidential’s a near-perfect neo-noir crime thriller. If it weren’t for one nitpick, I would’ve given it my highest grade, an A FOR APEX. An A- will do. If you’re into detective movies like me, give this one a shot.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 