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Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, James Cromwell, Kim Basinger ... see more see more... , David Strathairn , Danny DeVito , Graham Beckel , Gwenda Deacon , John Mahon , Matt McCoy , Ron Rifkin , Fred Scialla , David St. James , Paul Guilfoyle , Amber Smith , Paolo Seganti , Simon Baker-Denny , Darrell Sandeen , Sally Insul

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 crim... read more read more...inal 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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90% liked it

121,308 ratings

Critics

99% liked it

85 critics

R, 2 hr. 18 min.

Directed by: Curtis Hanson

Release Date: September 19, 1997

Keywords: crime, detective, cop

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DVD Release Date: April 22, 1998

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Stats: 7,106 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (7,106)

  • garyX
    May 21, 2013
    garyX
    Three detectives with very different agenda and motives unite to investigate the shooting death of an off duty cop, uncovering corruption and a conspiracy to take over organized crime. L.A. Confidential is set within the dichotomy that is Hollywood's surface glamour and underlyin... read moreg seediness, all of which is lapped up by the salacious media in the form of sleazy paparazzi Danny DeVito. Russell Crowe was the perfect casting choice for Bud White, a strong armed "detective" who is used as a mindless battering ram by his superiors but wants to become something more and Guy Pearce is similarly excellent as the straight arrow cop who is despised by his peers but consumed with ambition. The happy ending feels a little tacked on, but otherwise the entire cast is pretty much flawless and as the multi-layered plot unfolds it grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go. Throw in a wonderful sense of period, brilliantly oppressive soundtrack and smart, hard boiled dialogue it's a superb re-visitation of the classic Noirs of the 40s and 50s and ranks as one of the very best films of the 90s.
  • c0up
    December 24, 2012
    c0up
    'L.A. Confidential'. The corruption and dreams of Hollywood wrapped up in the perfect crime drama. The ensemble cast shines, but no one comes out clean in a screenplay filled with richness that twists and turns until the very end.
  • fb100001581602053
    June 7, 2012
    fb100001581602053
    It takes a full hour for L.A. Confidential to delve into its mystery, an interesting and noir-tastic one, so for the entire preceding hour, it's mostly unconnected and meandering build-up told with an admittedly tight script, but a bland visual style. Cool and entertaining. But... read more one of the best American films of all time? Hush-hush.
  • MrMarakai
    March 10, 2012
    MrMarakai
    James Ellroy is one of the finest of hard-boiled crime writers. For those not familiar, check out his "L.A. Quartet"; four novels, that delve into the seedy and corrupt world of the Los Angeles police force in the 1950's. This film is actually based on the third novel in the ser... read moreies and director/screenwriters Curtis Hanson and Brian Helgeland have done a marvellous job in adapting Ellroy's convoluted narratives and staccato writing.
    L.A. in the 50's is rife with organised crime and corruption in the police force. Both intertwine in the glitz and glamour of the booming Hollywood movie business. The story follows the path of three very different police detectives. Jack Vincennes (Kevin Spacey) - the suave and ambitious type with an eye on stardom for himself. Bud White (Russel Crowe) - the brutal strong arm who will do anything to achieve his form of justice and rookie Ed Exley (Guy Pearce) - who does everything by the book and believes in law and order. A late night shooting in a coffee shop, which leaves one policeman dead brings these three detectives together in an elaborate plot involving corrupt politicians, prostitutes made to look like movie stars, gangster Mickey Cohen and sleazy tabloid journalists.
    First of all, where this film succeeds - in it's difficult adaptation - is capturing the mood and setting. Not since Roman Polanski's "Chinatown" in 1972 has this been achieved. The music by Jerry Goldsmith taps into the seedy film noir jazz while Dante Spinotti's rich cinematography perfectly captures the infancy of the city of Los Angeles, before it's economical boom. It was a city that could make or break a person, with corruption at every corner. This rich attention to detail, is also captured by some outstanding performances. Kim Basinger won a supporting actress award but it's Spacey, Pearce and particularly Crowe that own this film. Their performances have seldom been better. The story itself can simply be described as labyrinthine. There are so many facets that's it's hard to keep up. It demands your attention and commitment but it also rewards. Credit must go to Curtis Hanson, who does an excellent job in handling all the narrative arcs and teasingly fitting all the pieces together. This is filmmaking of the very highest standard.
    An absolutely enthralling film, that's so vivid and compelling that fans of the genre should not ignore.
  • aliceinpunderland
    December 24, 2011
    aliceinpunderland
    What twists and turns! I kinda like how the third act is one big, dramatically-ironic goose chase, yet the filmmakers don't rush the characters' revelations. One problem I do have is that no one ever seems to close their shades. You'd think if you were schtupping a hooker or s... read morenorting some blow, you'd have the common sense to not position yourself right in front of an open window.
  • fb729949618
    December 3, 2011
    fb729949618
    Quite possibly the best crime mystery film ever made. The 50's feel grabs you from the very beginning and never abandons you. The film is perfect in every facet: the acting, the filming, set designs, etc.......you name it, the film doesn't disappoint. What I loved the most is tha... read moret for a 2 hour and 20 minute film it never goes dull or slows down, it continuously picks up more and more eventually reaching the thrilling climax in the last 10 minutes. Could not ask any more from this film, it's simply perfect.
  • ironclad1609
    November 21, 2011
    ironclad1609
    Smart, violent and brilliantly written thriller about L.A. cops in the 50s, as Hollywood is on the rise and corruption goes deep. All characters have flaws, even the heroes are self-righteous assholes, but by the middle of the film you are on their side regardless, hoping for the... read morem to set that bee hive on fire. The plot keeps you on the edge of your seat, the filming is elegant and pragmatic and the acting top notch. Doesn't leave much to desire, all around satisfying and enthralling. Also includes one of the most surprising deaths in film history. Excellent stuff.
  • fb100002384654145
    October 29, 2011
    fb100002384654145
    Such a great movie. This is should have won Best Picture, not Titanic.
  • DreamExtractor
    October 11, 2011
    DreamExtractor
    L.A. Confidential is possibly the greatest crime mystery film ever made, the film is so perfect in every aspect and it just is so sure of itself that it just made me tingle on how perfect it was. The plot uses every aspect of LA in the 50's to make us feel like we are really bac... read morek that long ago, I mean just the storytelling and the mystery of the film makes me just want it to go on forever, and the intensity of some of the moments had me just eyes wide open at the screen just smiling and screaming "hell ya" or something just because the story and moments are so exciting and raw, and the characters are unforgettable, there was not one moment in the film where i doubted that these characters were going to be in my mind for a long time. The cast is tremendous, Russell Crowe and Guy Pearce deserved Oscar praise for this film, they were both so perfect in their roles and had me rooting for them the whole time and I loved them, Kevin Spacey was great as well and although he didn't have the best performance in the film, he certainly was still great, and Kim Basinger was great as well, and although I was stunned when I discovered she won a Oscar for the film, i guess I can kind of see why but i think the other performances were much better, but don't get me wrong, she was great as well, they were all great. I also enjoyed the music choice for the film, it used jazzy and old music to give it that boost to make us feel like we are in the 50's, and even better was the score that was completely great. Now I know the film is not an action film, but I wanted to give the director credit for making some very realistic and awesome shootout scenes, I was very impressed. L.A. Confidential is one of the greatest films I have ever seen in my life, it is an incredible mystery and crime film, and I consider it to be one of my all time favorites and a complete masterpiece.
  • fb223580
    October 7, 2011
    fb223580
    Instant favourite. I like it even better than The Departed, thank god it ended differently. Loved the politics, the seemingly inevitable veering of all paths and personalities towards conflict, the heightened awareness and yet sometimes flagrant dismissal of consequences, and t... read morehe idealism and optimism at the end. Holy crap it was so good, I want to see it again like tomorrow.

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Critic Reviews

Owen Gleiberman
September 7, 2011
Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly

With its plot that zigs and zags like knife slashes, its cynicism stoked to the melting point, the movie brings the thrill of corruption crackingly to life. Full Review

David Ansen
April 9, 2008
David Ansen, Newsweek

You have to pay close attention to follow the double-crossing intricacies of the plot, but the reward for your work is dark and dirty fun. Full Review

David Edelstein
April 9, 2008
David Edelstein, Slate

Stop reading. Put this review on hold until after you've seen L.A. Confidential. Full Review

Todd McCarthy
April 9, 2008
Todd McCarthy, Variety

An irresistible treat with enough narrative twists and memorable characters for a half-dozen films. Full Review

Lisa Alspector
April 9, 2008
Lisa Alspector, Chicago Reader

This movie restores genre elements to a level of potency that's disturbing, satisfying, and rare as hell. Full Review

Andrew Sarris
April 27, 2007
Andrew Sarris, New York Observer

A parlor game has already begun as to whether the supreme acting revelation in L.A. Confidential is provided by Mr. Crowe, Mr. Spacey or Mr. Pearce. Full Review

June 24, 2006
Time Out

As the emotional nexus, a Veronica Lake lookalike trapped in a web of male desires, Basinger is arguably the pick of a perfect cast. Subtle, shocking, compelling and immensely assured. Full Review

Liam Lacey
April 12, 2002
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail

A rattling good police story and a dark, laughing tone poem to the never-innocent city of illusions. Full Review

Peter Travers
May 11, 2001
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

Against all odds, L.A. Confidential succeeds brilliantly, right down to Jerry Goldsmith's score, which evokes his haunting theme from Chinatown without being haunted by it.

Kenneth Turan
February 14, 2001
Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times

Its intricate plot is so nihilistic and cold around the heart, its nominal heroes so amoral, so willing to sell out anyone and everyone, that the film is as initially unnerving as it is finally irresi... Full Review

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    • Bud White: What do I get if I give you your balls back, you wop cocksucker?
    • Dudley Smith: It's best to stay away from a man when his blood's up.
    • Ed Exley: His blood's always up!
    • Bud White: LAPD, shitbird. Get the fuck outta here or I'll call your wife to come get you!
    • Police Chief: 'Bloody Christmas' The press love to label.
    • Sid Hudgeons: Off the record, on the QT, and very hush-hush.
    • Bud White: Now, I know you think you're the A-number one hotshot. Well, here's the juice: if I take you out, there'll be ten more lawyers to take your place tomorrow. They just won't come on the bus, that's all!
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L.A. Confidential Trivia

  • Who has starred in the movies Se7en, The usual suspects and L.A Confidential?  Answer »
  • What was the last thing Kevin Spacey's character mutters before he dies in "L.A. Confidential?"  Answer »
  • Who starred in LA Confidential, Momento and The Proposition?  Answer »
  • Which actor connects these five films: The Green Mile L.A. Confidential Space Cowboys The Sum Of All Fears I, Robot  Answer »
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