doesn't parallel the novel

Rating: 9/10 (18 February 1999)

This is one of the few movies I've seen that I can appreciate without understanding a lot of the idea. The writers filter just enough so you have to be paying attention. That's annoying to me, because the book was so weaving and sharp. I doubt James Ellroy had any say in the screenplay.
The movie tried to be a slick, hit-straight film noir. While that was over all what the novel was on the outside, it was, inside, a deep story that was dark, disturbing, and sometimes sick. The tone down of this movie was necessary, but it tore away from the original idea. The novel was filled with pornographic detail and gore.
A great movie . 10. A great book. 10. At the core, both very different.