great modern noir

Rating: 9/10 (7 March 2015)

It's 1950's Los Angeles. Sid Hudgens (Danny DeVito) is a mud raking journalist. He often works with fame-whore narcotics detective Jack Vincennes (Kevin Spacey) who also works as a technical adviser on popular TV show Badge of Honor. Sergeant Ed Exley (Guy Pearce) is ambitious trying to live up to his murdered father's reputation. He testified against Bud White (Russell Crowe)'s partner. Captain Dudley Smith (James Cromwell) doesn't believe he's tough or corrupt enough to be a real detective. Bud is rough cop out for street justice. The three detectives become involved in the investigation of the Nite Owl killings and call girl Lynn Bracken (Kim Basinger).
This is one of the best modern film noir. It is brilliant with style. The acting is impeccable and Kim Basinger is a great modern Veronica Lake. Russell Crowe kills it. Everybody is doing great work. Some people may be put off by the many characters and multiple story lines. To me, the chaotic story only adds to the style of the movie.