Blown away by this movie!

Rating: Null/10 (20 September 2002)

For some reason I resisted seeing this movie when it was originally released. I'm not a fan of crime drama or movies about policemen, police departments, detectives.... you get the picture. So I had no desire to see it.
The only reason I bought L.A. Confidential is because it starred Russell Crowe not because it was on anyone's Top Ten list. ( I could watch Russell Crowe reading the label of a cereal box and be perfectly content).
Wow! What a splendid surprise. This movie has it all - intricate plot twists, a love story, more than a touch of comedy, a "whodunnit" theme throughout the story, fantastic fight scenes and shoot-outs (Bruce Willis, eat your heart out).
Crowe and Spacey are outstanding in this movie as is Guy Pearce. As sleazy as these three were - each in his own unique sleazy way - I ended up caring immensely about them.
Three scenes stand out:
The "Lana Turner" scene with Spacey is a classic. I love Spacey's facial expressions. He doesn't have to say a word....just look at the face. Loved it!
Russell Crowe's scene where he's standing in the rain crying - convincing! Very convincing. Don't know any other actor who could have pulled that off. Oh Russell! You are marvelous in every way.
Guy Pearce's scene where the Captain says "Rollo Tomasi" is the third scene that I watched again and again. It's his eyes - he managed to convey everything he was thinking and everything he felt.
Still can't figure out why Kim Basinger won an academy award for this part. She was adequate at best.
OK, OK - this movie is now on my Top Ten list. Not just because of Russell. Because it is a great movie and one I will watch again and again.