This is How Movies Should Be Made

I really don't get the hype.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

L.A. Confidential revolves around three cops:Officer Bud White (Russell Crowe) who, as a child saw his mother beaten to death, and has been trying to avenge her ever since, as well as engaging in some illegal activities he feels bad about but can't escape.Sargeant Ed Exley (Guy Pearce) who's father served on the Force before him, and was killed in the line of duty. Ed's dream is to measure up to his father, but his self-righteous naivete proves to be a serious drawback.And finally, to quote yellow journalism, Celebrity Crime Stopper Jack Vincennes (Kevin Spacey), who, aside from his job, lives for being the technical advisor on Badge Of Honor (a popular television series which shows L.A cops "walking on water as they keep the streets clean of crooks").All three men have their differences, and none of them get along, until a shooting at a diner called The Night Owl drives them to ultimately join forces, as they dig deeper into a case which grows darker, and more treacherous the more they investigate it...And with the digging, come the other characters into the story.There's Captain Dudley Smith (James Cromwell) who -by all appearances- is a pillar of integrity, but has secrets of his own to keep.There's D.A. Ellis Loew (Ron Rifkin), who has bad appetites to keep under wraps.And the wealthy Pierce Patchett (David Strathairn) who runs the very illicit Fleur De Lis: Whatever You Desire.Then, there's the beautiful Lynn Bracken (Kim Basinger) who belongs to a group of high class call girls cut to look like movie stars, and who steals the audience's heart away when, upon first seeing Bud White, immediately pegs him as a Police Officer."Is it that obvious?" Bud White asks. "It's practically stamped on your forehead." she replies.All of them are being watched like hawks by Sid Hudgens (Danny DeVito) a tabloid reporter who loves to uncover dirt, and has recruited Jack Vincennes to help him do it.I have not had the privilege of reading James Ellroy's novel but I can say without hesitating that this movie does it justice.Everything is impeccable, from the dialogue, to the settings, to the soundtrack.Kim Basinger deserves her Oscar. And these are great roles for the lead actors (especially Guy Pearce who stars in the best role I've ever seen him in).Kevin Spacey, and James Cromwell add tremendously also, but it is Danny DeVito with his blithely amoral outlook on life who is the shining star of the supporting cast, kicking off one of the best opening scenes ever put into a movie, and adding levity to the story, as he digs relentlessly for the dirt..."Off the record. On the q.t. And very...HUSH-HUSH!"Originally, Review #80

L.A. Confidential (1997) is a crime drama/mystery film that has gone down in cinema history as one of the best films ever made. It is a great film, that's for damn sure. They did so many things right with it, from the acting to the clever dialogue. The acting and the cast is probably my favorite thing about this film. Russell Crowe, one of my favorite actors, gives a fine performance here as Sgt. White. His character has depth and is interesting, thanks to the writing and Crowe's skills with acting. Guy Pearce is great here, playing a hated cop, who has just been promoted to lieutenant. I loved how he played his character and the dynamic between him and the other characters. Kim Basinger gives what is probably her best performance. This was Academy Award win for best supporting actress, a win that she so deserved. I can feel her raw emotion in every single moment of her beautiful performance.The writing is great too, I was intrigued by the dialogue, especially when it involved Basinger's character. Very smart and quick, kept things interesting. I hate a film with poorly written dialogue, it's sloppy and you wills surely lose the audiences attention. Thank god this writer knew what he was doing. The editing was done well and I adored the costumes and set designs. I suggest L.A. Confidential as an interesting crime/mystery drama.

I have to thank this movie for helping me with my studies! After my fiancée put it on believing it to be a classic, I blanked out after 15 minutes and chose to write an essay instead (that says something)! I can't fault the acting, but my God the story line was dull. The plot felt really clunky and jumped all over the place. For example, a 20 second scene of a politician being blackmailed to change his vote, with no explanation or mention of it again. Then the twist at the end is that a cop is corrupt, even though he admits to being dirty in Scene #1 - literally.. I'm dumbfounded by the praise on here; it was like a boring version of Black Dahlia.

L.A. Confidential is great, an absolute must-watch! The movie contains a superb cast with names such as Russel Crowe, Kevin Spacey, Guy Pearce and the beautiful Kim Basinger. The last one winning an Oscar and a Golden Globe for her role as Lynn Bracken.The story is set in 1950 L.A., and corruption in the police force is on the rise. Three police detectives investigate a number of murders in order to uncover the truth.Each has his signature way of serving justice, but as the story goes on, they each have to face their own convictions. How far are they prepared to go?Bud white (played by Russel Crowe) doesn't always follow the rules by the book and has a though time keeping of controlling his more violent nature.Then there is his counterpart Ed Exley (played by Guy Pearce). An ambitious man who wants to get ahead without breaking the rules. A challenge which he finds becomes harder and harder on his way to the top.Last but not least, we have Jack Vincennes (played by Kevin Spacey). An extravagant figure who is always looking to make an extra buck out of his crime fighting career.Together they must join forces in order to uncover the dark secret within the L.A. police force.