L.A. Confidential (1997)

Synopsis of L.A. Confidential

Based on the best-selling novel by James Ellroy and directed by Curtis Hanson, this award-winning crime drama explores both the dark side of the Los Angeles police force and Southern California's criminal underbelly in the early '50s, when Hollywood was still seen as America's capital of sophistication, glitter, and glamour. Dudley Smith (James Cromwell) is the head of the LAPD and is loyal to his officers and eager to turn a blind eye to violence or corruption within his department, as long as it's the "bad guys" who are getting hurt. Bud White (Russell Crowe) is a police detective whose violent and cynical nature is often at war with his basic sense of decency and justice. Ed Exley (Guy Pearce) is a beat cop-turned-detective whose strict by-the-book philosophy and willingness to blow the whistle on other officers is balanced by a shrewd and opportunistic understanding of the internal politics of the department. And Jack Vincennes (Kevin Spacey) is a flashy "Hollywood" detective who serves as technical advisor for the TV series Badge of Honor. He is also in cahoots with Sid Hudgeons (Danny DeVito), publisher of the scandal sheet Hush Hush, who throws kickbacks to Vincennes in exchange for being brought along when showbiz figures get busted. White, Exley, and Vincennes find themselves drawn into a tangled and sticky web of violence and betrayal following a multiple murder at a coffee shop that is believed to be part of an effort by Mickey Cohen (Paul Guilfoyle) to consolidate his hold on organized crime in L.A. This lead appears to be connected to the discovery of a bizarre pornography and call-girl ring operated by Pierce Patchett (David Strathairn), whose women are given plastic surgery so that they more closely resemble well-known movie stars. White's role in the investigation is complicated when he falls for Lynn Bracken (Kim Basinger), one of Patchett's prostitutes, who is the spitting image of Veronica Lake. L.A. Confidential was nominated for nine Academy Awards and netted two, with Brian Helgeland honored for Best Adapted Screenplay, and Kim Basinger taking home a statuette as Best Supporting Actress. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Theatrical Feature Running Time:

138 mins

Director(s):

Curtis Hanson

Writer(s):

Brian Helgeland, Curtis Hanson

Producer(s):

Michael Nathanson, Curtis Hanson, Arnon Milchan

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

R(Sexual Situations, Violence, Not For Children)

Categories:

Mystery & Suspense

• 1997 - Broadcast Film Critics Association - Best Adapted Screenplay
• 1997 - Broadcast Film Critics Association - Best Picture
• 1997 - Broadcast Film Critics Association - Best Adapted Screenplay
• 1997 - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Picture
• 1997 - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Director
• 1997 - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Screenplay
• 1997 - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Screenplay
• 1997 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
• 1997 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Picture
• 1997 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Director
• 1997 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Cinematography
• 1997 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Screenplay
• 1997 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Screenplay
• 1997 - National Board of Review - Best Director
• 1997 - National Board of Review - Best Picture
• 1997 - National Society of Film Critics - Best Screenplay
• 1997 - National Society of Film Critics - Best Director
• 1997 - National Society of Film Critics - Best Screenplay
• 1997 - National Society of Film Critics - Best Picture
• 1997 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Director
• 1997 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Screenplay
• 1997 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Screenplay
• 1997 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Picture
• 1997 - Screen Actors Guild - Best Supporting Actress
• 1997 - Toronto Film Critics Association - Best Picture [Runner-up]
• 1997 - Toronto Film Critics Association - Best Director [Runner-up]

Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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