|
| • Advanced Search • Help |
L.A.Confidential | Description: James Ellroy's noir novel of police corruption, blackmail, murder, and the innate human desire for illusion--set in its allegorical epicenter, 1950's Los Angeles--brought elegantly and tautly to the screen. The film's brutal subject matter, concerning murders (and coverups) to protect hoi polloi involved in a blackmail scheme with movie-star lookalike prostitutes, hearkens to "The Maltese Falcon" and "Chinatown," but to stop there would belie this film's tremendous emotional depth and subtly rendered human relationships, and its ultimate reaffirmation of the redemptive power of love. A masterpiece, nominated for 9 Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Original Dramatic Score, and Best Sound. Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actress--Kim Basinger; Year: 1994 Classification: Crime Directed: - Curtis Hanson Actors/Actresses: - Kevin Spacey as Jack Vincennes - Russell Crowe as Wendell White - Guy Pearce as Edmund Exley - James Cromwell as Dudley Smith - Kim Basinger as Lynn Bracken - Danny DeVito as Sid Hudgens - Frank Sinatra - David Strathairn Confidentially Speaking... Based on author James Ellroy's novel of the same name, the film version of L.A CONFIDENTIAL benefits from a top notch cast and a great script. Three cops, (Kevin Spacey, Guy Pearce, and Russell Crowe) are put to the test when suspected corruption within city government, after news of an incident at the jail begins to surface. Complicating matters is a tabloid journalist (Danny DeVito), who wants to use his skills for shady dealings, and a call girl, (Kim Bassinger) with whom the three men are beguiled over. Directed by Curtis Hanson, the film really has the feel of a 1950s crime drama. The film won an Oscar for Bassinger and its screenplay. Every bit of praise about the movie is well deserved Great performances by all of those actors really sell the film. As an example, Crowe and Pearce easily loose their Aussie accents to sound like true American cops, torn apart by the attraction they both have for the call girl known as Lynn Bracken Who knows the truth? Who's on the take? And why would honorable men lie to protect the truth? If you have never seen this classic from '97, now is the time, you will be glad you did. The DVD contains three behind the scenes featurettes. There's also an interactive map tour of LA, as seen in the film with Curtis Hanson acting as tour guide. It also has a music only track featuring composer Jerry Goldsmith's Oscar nominated score (a real plus), additional production notes, theatrical trailers, and 3 television spots. Sadly though, I missed not hearing a main audio commentary by Hanson and or others, who worked on this film. It would have put an already fine DVD over the top. [Four] and a half stars and highly recommended 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 Magnificent This is magnificent. A top notch cast throughout, Guy Pearce is a revelation, Russell Crowe (not my favourite) is just brilliant, James Cromwell is great. I could go on, so see this for yourself. The attention to detail is second to none, it's atmospheric, pacy, clever and, well, just brilliant. Buy this today. You will not regret it. Buy L A Confidential at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  Search with Walhello on the Internet on L A Confidential Search with the Priority Search Engine on L A Confidential This page in other languages: Suomeksi | Nederlands | Deutsch
|
