True Confessions
True Confessions

True Confessions

1981Movie108 minEnglish

A cop clashes with his priest brother while investigating the brutal murder of a young prostitute.

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IMDb7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes71%
Metacritic66/100
Google Users76%
Director: Ulu GrosbardGenres: Crime, Drama, Mystery

Plot Summary

In 1940s Los Angeles, a morally ambiguous priest named Monsignor "Slippery" Nick Tannen and his ambitious, corruptible police detective brother, Tom, become entangled in a murder investigation. As Tom's ties to organized crime and potential involvement in the crime surface, Nick must confront the darkness within his own family and the city's underbelly. The film explores themes of faith, corruption, and the blurred lines between good and evil.

Critical Reception

True Confessions received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its strong performances, particularly from Robert De Niro and Robert Duvall, and its atmospheric portrayal of 1940s Los Angeles. Some critics found the plot somewhat convoluted, but many lauded its exploration of moral ambiguity and corruption. Audience reception was more mixed, with some appreciating the mature themes and others finding it too dark.

What Reviewers Say

  • Strong performances from the lead actors, especially De Niro and Duvall, are a major highlight.
  • The film effectively captures the gritty atmosphere and moral complexities of its Los Angeles setting.
  • While engaging, the narrative can sometimes be dense and less focused.

Google audience: Google users generally appreciated the film's powerful acting and its engaging, albeit dark, storyline. Many viewers noted the compelling performances of the lead actors and the film's strong atmosphere. Some reviews mentioned that the plot could be a bit confusing at times, but overall, the performances and thematic depth were highly regarded.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the novel of the same name by John Gregory Dunne, who also co-wrote the screenplay. Dunne's novel was inspired by the real-life murder of Elizabeth Short, the Black Dahlia, and the subsequent investigation, as well as the scandals involving the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

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