Best of 97

Rating: 10/10 (11 September 1998)

A beautiful film in so many ways, and a huge surprise coming from a Hollywood studio and not being directed by Scorsese or Spielberg.
The story is great. A wonderful distillation of James Ellroy's novel. It clarifies and simplifies a hugely complex story and still keeps its spirit intact. It also happens to have the funniest moment in cinema last year. And that moment has historical accuracy. Take that, Titanic. Terrific dialogue and an insightful look at issues pertenant today such as tabloid journalism and celebrity worship.
The look is dead on and beautiful, costumes lighting etc... The locations used were great.
The acting is wonderful. Russell Crowe gave my favorite performance of last year. Kevin Spacey was very close in his finest work yet. No one else can be complained about.
A wonderful throwback to the Hollywood that did things right and it seems to be doing is more consistently. Primary Colors and The Truman Show being good examples.
If you liked it, I would suggest going to your classics sections and picking up The Big Sleep and Touch of Evil.