I played a game on PS4 called "L. A. Noire" and then recently, when i've watched this film, it makes me think of that game instantly. The Mad Men crew starred in the game tho lol. Anyways, i don't know anything about where the inspiration comes from to the writer of the game but L. A. Confidential definitely helps. It has taken straight from the movie. You know, the era, the clothes, the cars, mystery crime thriller, a detective who gets a promotion all the way up, even the narrative comes from the headlines in each chapter. Anyway, i keep going on about it but all i'm saying is that there's a big connection.
Going back to the movie, it's 1950s. I always love this era. The clothes, the places, the cars, anything about it. We've got a really well written script. Even though, it is predictable for some people who the actual "traitor" is but i thought Pierce Patchett is the man in charge of all of this for a long time. At the end, Bud White is still alive after all that shooting, it's a bit exaggeration in my opinion. However, it's really a nice point of view from Brian Helgeland and Curtis Hanson which externalize the decay of the system at the end. The audience know that there's a corruption in the LAPD and it's completely rotten. You know, the movie ends with a scene which is the LAPD decides to protect their image by saying Smith died a hero in the shootout, while awarding Exley a second medal for bravery. Danny DeVito plays Sid Hudgens who publishes Hush-Hush tabloid magazine. The screenwriters use the headlines for explaining the events and what's actually going on and DeVito narrates all the happenings. As for me, It's very well-thought-of by them. Furthermore, the scene called "Bloody Christmas" which is Dick Stensland and other cops take a brutal vengeance on some Mexican prisoners and beat them up is very well reflected by again, the way of using the headlines.
Character of Ed Exley is very well written and Guy Pierce portrays incredibly well. Russell Crowe gives a fine performance too but i really enjoy the performance of Kevin Spacey. The role of Jack Vincennes suits for him and he portrays the character in a classy way. Likewise, Kim Basinger gives an awesome performance, definitely Oscar-worthy. I think that the character of Lynn Bracken is written for a really beautiful and gorgeous woman such as Basinger, she's combining with a pure and delicate way of acting that makes a terrific performance.
I gotta say, the scene which is Jack Vincennes was killed by Capt. Dudley Smith is so shocking and unexpected. And the detail of Rollo Tomasi which is Jack murmurs after Smith shot him makes the scene to a perfect one.
Frankly, it's one of the best films i've ever watch, i'll definitely recommend it. Solid 9.
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