Excellent Movie

Rating: Null/10 (5 April 2002)

Because of its genre, I did not expect to like L.A. Confidential but I ended up loving it. The script, set, and most especially the acting were superb. Kevin Spacey combines humor and touches of sadness to his role. He knows what his success has cost other people. Spacey has always been one of my favorite actors and this movie showed that special touch only he can truly bring to a role. Cromwell was just excellent. Fierce and creepy. Although, I kept waiting for him to say, "That'll do pig." He will always be the farmer to me. Kim Basinger was good and she looked the part but I felt like any actress with her look could have played the part. Her scenes with Bud (Russell Crowe) have a lot of emotional depth to them but still I did not feel like her performance deserved an Oscar. It was far from the best performance in the movie. That also brings me to Guy Pearce. Maybe it's because I'm supposed to dislike his character but I just found him very annoying and the role was not that challenging. Finally, Russell Crowe. I don't care what this man does in his personal life; he is truly an extraordinary actor. The character of Bud White could have just been the typical "bad" cop but Crowe manages to combine overwhelming brute with a genuine tender side. I love his scenes with Basinger and the scene where he confronts her is heartbreaking as you witness his hurt. This movie truly showcases Crowe extraordinary ability to use his eyes and facial expressions to convey emotion.
All in all, an excellent movie.