A classic in its own time!

Rating: 10/10 (29 March 2000)

A classic in its own time! L.A. Confidential is one of the most remarkable films ever created. We follow the lives of three policemen in 1950's Los Angeles-Wendal "Bud" White, Edmund Exley, and Jack Vincennes. The police department is trying to clean up its image while staying in a corrupt town in a corrupt time. Their reputation is however trashed once more in an internal drunken riot termed "Bloody Christmas." That's just the beginning, the spawn of the immense story, plot twists, and character development. Each character in the film is drastically changed by his or her experiences. The editing is always smooth and fast paced, and the cinematography always affixes the right mood. The set pieces are distinct eye candy. The soundtrack to this movie is a fine complement to the visuals. It mixes authentic fifties music with a beautifully orchestrated score that keeps audiences on the edges of their seats. The acting performances for this movie are collectively some of the best ever produced for the silver screen. The last time I've been this convinced of Characters was in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Russell Crowe, Guy Pierce, Kevin Spacey, and Kim Basinger (Best Supporting Actress - 1997) give especially standout performances. Overall, L.A. Confidential is the total package. It's superb at every angle. It has been voted the third best film of the nineties by one critic's association, and it is my personal favorite. Every time I watch it I discover new depth to the plot. I would recommend L.A. Confidential to anyone.