TNT star power of sparkling explosive synergy

Rating: Null/10 (13 July 2004)

Never a fan of Hollywood productions yet I find this one irresistibly captivating when it was televised on free TV channel a couple of weeks ago. Needless to say, it should have been hugely successful when it first came out solely by glancing at the checklist of a top-notch juggernaut of stellar acting talents and veterans: Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, James Cromwell and the sexy symbol Kim Basinger. Delicious and visually appealing, tempting and not-able-to-break-away-from, right? What's more, each of them got tailor-made role and no one is stealing anyone's radiance.
The elements employed pre-destines its success as a movie for mass. It especially pleases the discriminating palate of Hong Kong audience on this neo-noir genre: sex, controlled-prostitution, gossip tabloid, paparazzi, underworld syndicate, crime, death, detective investigation, betrayal, bribery, murder etc. Main plot and subplots though intertwines intricately, is presented clearly. Curtis Hanson showcases his master handling with the tricky challenges of the story-telling and the plotting.
The propelling force of the story is not any living soul but something invisible: the mysterious death of EJ Exley(Guy Pearce)'s brutally gunned down ex-cop father and "Rollo Tomasi". The most touching and relieving episode to me is when the three good cops come together and push aside their differences, fear and bias to track down the real culprit. Though Jack Vincennes is eliminated too soon, W Bud White and EJ Exley's joint forces is a dumbstruck manifestation of brawn-brain synergy.
No recent production of the genre can compare with this chef d'oeuvre, for sure it will be able to brave the tempests of time, bar none. Nevertheless, greedily I can think of one quality Hong Kong production though of different ambience, may slightly be juxtaposed next to this, "Infernal Affairs".