It's kua chee time, as we join
Godfrey at the movies...
L.A. Confidential
Directed by Curtis Hanson. Written by
Brian Helgeland and Curtis Hanson. Based on the novel by James
Ellroy. Running time: 138 minutes.
This movie did it’s rounds in Malaysia last year.
However, with the hype from the Academy nominations, its coming back again.
And that is good news. This is a film worthy of many viewing. Although the
story does not remain entirely true to the book, the screenplay manages to
convince us of its authenticity. Let’s get down to the basics...
Its a police story set in the 50’s that interlinks
the lives of 3 cops;
· Jack Vincennes (Kevin Spacey), star-struck, lives for his job as technical
adviser to "Badge of Honor", a "Dragnet" - style television show.
· Bud White (Russell Crowe) is an aggressive young cop who is willing to
accommodate the department's relaxed ethics.
· Ed Exley (Guy Pearce) is a straight arrow, ambitious careerist who wants
to do everything by the book.
The opening sequence is brilliant...
a breathless-styled narration by a character named Sid Hudgens
(Danny DeVito), who publishes Hush-Hush magazine and bribes a cop named
Jack Vincennes (Kevin Spacey) to set up celebrity arrests (that’s all you
need to know - watch the movie). The story proper begins with a X’mas party
at the police station. Amidst the drinking and yahooing, the cops set upon
(read as "basically bash the shit") some imprisoned Mexican prisoners.
It gets all rowdy and some cops are pulled up by the department
(Exley squeals and Vincennes chips in as well). Then there’s a massacre
at a night spot and the blame is laid upon 3 black youths - but we know
(do/don’t we ??) that something’s amiss. We’re also introduced to a
millionaire pornographer named Pierce Patchett (David Strathairn). He runs
a high-class call girl operation in which aspiring young actresses are
given plastic surgery to make them resemble movie stars; one of them is
Lynn Bracken (Kim Bassinger).
Back to the "review"... Why is "L.A. Confidential"
is a good movie and my choice for best picture - simple! Apart from a
superb plot and an mesmerising atmosphere n the set, it’s the acting that
stands out. Each character is given room to develop and the actors/actresses
provide performances worthy of every superlative and accolade. I’m not sure
if you could regard this as film noir but the atmosphere of L.A. and the
police force then (the cars, clothes, talk, lifestyle) lets us believe -
understand society back then. And its for these reasons that I think this
film should have won the Oscar for Best Picture. And that my friend is a
good enough reason to fork out some cash for a seat at the cinema
(or a VCD - it’s out and extremely clear). Unfortunately, it’s not going
to be a movie up for a lengthy discussion at the mamak stalls.
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