Episode 43 - Born to Watch Podcast
L.A. Confidential
LA Confidential is a critically acclaimed neo-noir crime thriller film directed by Curtis Hanson, released in 1997. The movie is based on James Ellroy's novel of the same name and features an ensemble cast that includes Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, and Kim Basinger. The movie is set in Los Angeles during the 1950s and tells the story of three police officers who become embroiled in a web of corruption, violence, and intrigue.
The film opens with a brutal massacre at a coffee shop that sets the stage for the complex plot that unfolds over the next two hours. We are introduced to three main characters: Bud White (Russell Crowe), Ed Exley (Guy Pearce), and Jack Vincennes (Kevin Spacey). Each officer represents a different aspect of law enforcement in Los Angeles during this time period.
Bud White is a rough-and-tumble street cop who takes justice into his own hands when he feels it's necessary, while Ed Exley is an ambitious young officer who wants to climb the ranks and make a name for himself. Jack Vincennes is a celebrity cop who works as a technical advisor on a popular TV show called Badge of Honor. Together, they investigate several interconnected crimes that lead them down dark alleys and into Hollywood's underbelly.
One of the most striking things about LA Confidential is its visual style. The film's cinematography captures the mood and atmosphere of 1950s Los Angeles perfectly, creating an immersive experience for viewers. From the neon lights of Hollywood Boulevard to the smoky jazz clubs where criminals gather to plot their next moves, every frame oozes with style and sophistication.
Another standout element of LA Confidential is its screenplay. Hanson and co-writer Brian Helgeland stay true to Ellroy's source material while also making some key changes that help streamline the plot for cinematic purposes. The dialogue crackles with wit and tension, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats throughout.
But perhaps what makes LA Confidential truly memorable is its performances. Russell Crowe delivers one of his best performances as Bud White, bringing both physicality and vulnerability to his role as a man haunted by his past. Guy Pearce shines as Ed Exley, playing him with just enough arrogance to make him both compelling and frustrating at times. Kevin Spacey rounds out the trio with his portrayal of Jack Vincennes - charming yet jaded - demonstrating once again why he was one of Hollywood's most talented actors before his fall from grace.
Kim Basinger also gives an excellent performance as Lynn Bracken - Veronica Lake lookalike- who becomes caught up in Bud White's investigation after being wrongly accused by police officers she trusted most.
LA Confidential was not only critically acclaimed but commercially successful too; grossing over $126 million against its $35 million budget worldwide.
In terms of impact on pop culture, James Ellroy has had a significant influence through his writing style which has been imitated by many writers across different mediums including television shows such as True Detective or Breaking Bad. His books have inspired movies like L.A.Confidential which still remains one of the best adaptations made of any book in recent years.
Ellroy’s writing style combined hard-boiled prose with vivid descriptions which create richly layered stories populated by morally ambiguous characters living in corrupt societies such as Los Angeles during the 1940s-50s era depicted in L.A.Confidential. He often explored themes related to power politics within institutions like law enforcement agencies or political offices alongside topics such as racism or misogyny which were relevant then but still resonate today due to their universality.
In conclusion, LA Confidential remains one of cinema’s greatest neo-noir crime thrillers ever made; featuring stunning visuals coupled with brilliant performances from all involved including leads Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce,and Kevin Spacey along with supporting players like Kim Basinger who won Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role here. James Ellroy’s influence can be seen throughout popular culture today thanks largely due to films like this which managed to capture the essence not just author’s writing style but also era it represented so well making it timeless classic worth revisiting time after time again!
