Human morality

Rating: 9/10 (18 January 2005)

LA Confidential is a complex study of human morality from several perspectives. For example, Ed Exley sets out as an idealistic young recruit, alarmed at the vicarious pleasure taken by the inebriated policemen administering mob justice on 'cop killer' suspects. Eventually, this idealism is eroded as he first 'rats' on his colleagues and ultimately bribes the city for another promotion following the demise of Captain Dudley Smith.
From a different perspective, Bud White's morality shifts from that of a thug to a protector; he is painfully aware of the consequences of domestic abuse, yet cannot stop himself from striking Lynn Bracken. He also hands over the money he finds in the wallet of the aptly (because of the flies harrying his rotting corpse) Buzz Meakes.
Then there's Hollywood Jack Vincennes - he kicks off as an arrogant TV cop taking backhanders from Sid Hudgens - but ultimately, his conscience engineers his doom; and yet brings down the wily Dudley Smith.
Outstanding movie.