L.A. Confidential (1997)

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Director: Curtis Hanson

Writers: Brian Helgeland & Curtis Hanson, based on the novel by James Ellroy

Stars: Russell Crowe, Guy Pierce, Kevin Spacey, James Cromwell, Kim Basinger, Danny DeVito, David Strathairn, Ron Rifkin



Hollywood in the 1940s: The LAPD is primed to forge a prestigious, competent public image when the incarceration of crime kingpin Mickey Cohen provides the opportunity to rid LA of organized crime.

 


Three officers symbolize the directions the department might take: Bud White (Russell Crowe), violent and flexible with his ethics; Ed Exley (Guy Pierce), a by-the-book opportunist; and Jack Vincennes (Kevin Spacey), plugged into the show business scene and eager to remain so. 



A massacre at a coffee shop starts a series of events that will offer each of these morally conflicted men a measure of redemption.

 


This film boasts a huge cast of characters and a complex storyline but never confuses.

 


Director/co-screenwriter Curtis Hansen deserves high praise, as does his marvelous cast. 



This film has tremendous atmosphere and feels absolutely authentic.

 


Highly recommended.











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