L.A. Confidential
L.A. Confidential

L.A. Confidential

1997Movie138 minEnglish

Three detectives in the corrupt and brutal L.A. police force of the 1950s use differing methods to uncover a conspiracy behind the shotgun slayings of the patrons at an all-night diner.

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IMDb8.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes99%
Metacritic87/100
Google Users93%
Director: Curtis HansonGenres: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

In the glamorous yet corrupt world of 1950s Los Angeles, three very different police officers—an ambitious detective, a tough enforcer, and a morally upright officer—investigate a complex murder case. Their paths intertwine with a seductive actress, a shady businessman, and the dark underbelly of Hollywood and the LAPD. As they delve deeper, they uncover a vast conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of power, forcing them to confront their own moral compromises and the true meaning of justice.

Critical Reception

L.A. Confidential was a critical and commercial success, widely praised for its intricate plot, sharp dialogue, stylish direction, and strong performances. It is considered one of the best films of the 1990s and a masterful example of the neo-noir genre.

What Reviewers Say

  • Hailed for its complex, layered narrative and masterful execution.
  • Praised for its superb performances, particularly from the lead actors.
  • Celebrated for its authentic period detail and neo-noir atmosphere.

Google audience: Audiences lauded the film's compelling story, sharp writing, and gripping suspense. Many highlighted the excellent acting and the captivating portrayal of 1950s Los Angeles.

Awards & Accolades

Won 2 Academy Awards (Best Supporting Actress for Kim Basinger, Best Adapted Screenplay), and was nominated for 7 others, including Best Picture. Also received numerous Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations.

Fun Fact

The distinctive tie-clip worn by Guy Pearce's character, Ed Exley, was a specific request from Pearce himself, intended to reflect his character's desire to project an image of uprightness and conformity, even as he grappled with the corruption around him.

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TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

After the seemingly indiscriminate slaughter of the folks at a diner, it's the ambitious "Exley" (Guy Pearce) who suggests to his bosses that it's time for the LAPD to get it's act together and root out the corruption endemic within the for...
John Chard

John Chard

City of Angels? More Like City of Demons! Curtis Hanson directs and co-adapts the screenplay with Brian Helgeland from legendary pulp novelist James Ellroy's novel. It stars Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, James Cromwell, Kim B...