This is the City of Angels, and you don't have your wings!

Rating: Null/10 (2 August 2011)

LA Confidential is a modern- noir crime film set in- you guessed it- LA. In true noir fashion, the film consists of detectives, women, violence, drugs, and a weaving plot tying them all together. 'Confidential' is a well-made and well executed film.
Despite what the posters, half-covered by Kim Basinger, would make you think, LA Confidential is a film about men. 3 men, three personalities. Kevin Spacey is Jack, the pretty boy cop who works with a tabloid newspaper for information exchange. Russell Crowe is Bud White, the bad cop who sees justice through, and is no stranger to violence. And Guy Pearce is Ed Exley, the golden boy on the straight and narrow, who only wants the truth... and recognition. These three are the show, and all are more deserving of an Oscar than Basinger. Especially Crowe.
The setting and atmosphere works for LA Confidential. However the city is never really exposed, we're only given a name as a backdrop. Other than a short scene about a freeway and an image if an LA landmark tower, Confidential could take place in any city.
The plot, in true noir fashion, makes little sense. It's excellent, but you won't understand what happens. With multiple perspectives, the information you learn will go over your head. Watch it again, and things will fall into place. The complexity and twist in LA Confidential is one of it's biggest strengths.
A beacon of noir in modern cinema, LA Condiential is a very well directed and well thought film. Its depth is impressive, its performances stellar, and ending fitting. You should see this if you like noir, history, or great American crime/drama movies. 8.4/10