Not as masterful as everyone says

Rating: 8/10 (20 May 2002)

L.A. Confidential is a Hollywood film loaded with super stars and familiar faces. Russell Crowe, Kevin Spacey and Kim Basinger are there among others. The film is directed by Curtis Hanson and written by him and Brian Helgeland, who has directed The Usual Suspects and Apt Pupil. The film has been praised as one of the best movies ever and so on, and I think that as an entertainment film this is perfect, but as little more than entertainment, it is not THAT great.
There are many characters here, and finally their relations solve and it unfolds that nothing was/is as it seems. The film is set in L.A. some 50+ years ago, and there are gangsters and tough policemen, prostitution and hunger for money..Sounds like some Scorsese film, but Confidential is not as personal and great as Scorsese's work, but it manages at least to be pretty nostalgic. The acting is, of course, the best available and during the film's long running time (approx. 130mins) I really didn't feel myself tired or bored. The film is extremely stylish and directed with great skill, so there are no technical flaws in the film. The end scene at the motel is very moody and even reminded me of Ringo Lam's Hong Kong classic City on Fire with all its blue colors and holes in the wall. L.A. Confidential looks great and director has done great job.
But there is no particular message or themes in the film, and it becomes somewhat empty viewing experience. Of course themes of greed and corruption are present, but the film doesn't concentrate on them too much and thus isn't too rich in content, but probably they didn't want this to be too difficult for the mainstream audiences..L.A. Confidential is easy to take because there isn't huge need for brains and the film seems to be more entertainment than serious and personal cinema. But it is still enough stylish, at times intense and gorgeous looking so it can be recommended, but don't expect this to be too demanding and challenging film. My expectations were little too high after all the praise, but after all, I'm glad I'm still not disappointed.
8/10