Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 09/23/2008 Rating: R
In a time when it seems that every other movie makes some claim to being a film noir, L.A. Confidential is the real thing--a gritty, sordid tale of sex, scandal, betrayal, and corruption of all sorts (police, political, press--and, of course, very personal) in 1940s Hollywood. The Oscar-winning screenplay is actually based on several titles in James Ellroy's series of chronological thriller novels (including the title volume, The Big Nowhere, and White Jazz)--a compelling blend of L.A. history and pulp fiction that has earned it comparisons to the greatest of all Technicolor noir films, Chinatown. Kim Basinger richly deserved her Supporting Actress Oscar for her portrayal of a conflicted femme fatale; unfortunately, her male costars are so uniformly fine that they may have canceled each other out with the Academy voters: Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kevin Spacey, and James Cromwell play LAPD officers of varying stripes. Pearce's character is a particularly intriguing study in Hollywood amorality and ambition, a strait-laced "hero" (and son of a departmental legend) whose career goals outweigh all other moral, ethical, and legal considerations. If he's a good guy, it's only because he sees it as the quickest route to a promotion. --Jim Emerson
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Good movie!:
I enjoyed this movie very much. I've watched it 3 times. Each time I see something I didn't notice before.
Highly Recommeded:
No complaints on quality, looks great. Can't have a classic Noir in standard crummy DVD anymore so the upgrade is very much so worth it. Anyone who wants to complain can have my old VHS tape if they like.
Will this review put me on the cover of Hush-Hush?:
In 1997, five films were up for the category of best picture - of those "LA Confidential" was a contender. It was an up and down year for the Academy, having the highest grossing picture on the ticket doesn't really allow room for small independent features to see the light of day. Thankfully, "Good Will Hunting" proved that wrong, and allowed the comedian Robin Williams to receive the credit he deserved. None the less, "LA Confidential" was in the gambit that year, boasting hot new talent, an awe-inspiring... more info
Exceptional Movie and Excellent 2-Disc DVD:
I remember the first time I saw LA Confidential in the theater. It was at a matinee. Usually, martinee crowds are noisy, but you could hear a pin drop except for two moments in the film when everyone gasped in shock. I have watched it on videotape and DVD, and each time it's like watching it for the first time. It is truly an ensemble piece with not one performance out of place. And it is one of the tightest bit of direction and writing I have ever seen because if you blink you miss important details. The... more info
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