Audience Rating: R (Restricted) Binding: VHS Tape EAN: 9780790734835 Format: Closed-captioned, Color, NTSC ISBN: 0790734834 Label: Warner Home Video Manufacturer: Warner Home Video Number Of Items: 1 Publisher: Warner Home Video Release Date: April 21, 1998 Running Time: 138 minutes Sales Rank: 15739 Studio: Warner Home Video Theatrical Release Date: September 19, 1997
Amazon.com essential video: In a time when it seems that every other movie makes some claim to being a film noir, L.A. Confidential is the real thing--a gritty, sordid tale of sex, scandal, betrayal, and corruption of all sorts (police, political, press--and, of course, very personal) in 1940s Hollywood. The Oscar-winning screenplay is actually based on several titles in James Ellroy's series of chronological thriller novels (including the title volume, The Big Nowhere, and White Jazz)--a compelling blend of L.A. history and pulp fiction that has earned it comparisons to the greatest of all Technicolor noir films, Chinatown. Kim Basinger richly deserved her Supporting Actress Oscar for her portrayal of a conflicted femme fatale; unfortunately, her male costars are so uniformly fine that they may have canceled each other out with the Academy voters: Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kevin Spacey, and James Cromwell play LAPD officers of varying stripes. Pearce's character is a particularly intriguing study in Hollywood amorality and ambition, a strait-laced 'hero' (and son of a departmental legend) whose career goals outweigh all other moral, ethical, and legal considerations. If he's a good guy, it's only because he sees it as the quickest route to a promotion. --Jim Emerson
Digital Life Reviews
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Good movie!
I enjoyed this movie very much. I've watched it 3 times. Each time I see something I didn't notice before.
Rating: - Highly Recommeded
No complaints on quality, looks great. Can't have a classic Noir in standard crummy DVD anymore so the upgrade is very much so worth it. Anyone who wants to complain can have my old VHS tape if they like.
Rating: - Will this review put me on the cover of Hush-Hush?
In 1997, five films were up for the category of best picture - of those "LA Confidential" was a contender. It was an up and down year for the Academy, having the highest grossing picture on the ticket doesn't really allow room for small independent features to see the light of day. Thankfully, "Good Will Hunting" proved that wrong, and allowed the comedian Robin Williams to receive the credit he deserved. None the less, "LA Confidential" was in the gambit that year, boasting hot new talent, an awe-inspiring image of the golden years of Hollywood, and the grittiness that only James Ellroy could imagine. So, with so many high marks - why didn't this film win? To be honest, my friends, this isn't a very good movie. As other reviews have claimed, and I agree, it is a popcorn film. It has gloss, it has catchy music, and it has veneer, but it lacks the soul to be an award winner. "LA Confidential" is a motion picture. ... Read More
Rating: - Exceptional Movie and Excellent 2-Disc DVD
I remember the first time I saw LA Confidential in the theater. It was at a matinee. Usually, martinee crowds are noisy, but you could hear a pin drop except for two moments in the film when everyone gasped in shock. I have watched it on videotape and DVD, and each time it's like watching it for the first time. It is truly an ensemble piece with not one performance out of place. And it is one of the tightest bit of direction and writing I have ever seen because if you blink you miss important details. The acting, directing, writing, cinematography, and music are top notch. And being from Los Angeles, I thought it captured the feel of the city in the 50's and the lighting of the city. It is "LA Film Noir" and "Cop Film Noir" at its finest.
This 2-Disc Special Edition DVD was a surprise with not only extras from the previous DVD, but also recent interviews with some of the cast and crew, an interactive tour map ... Read More
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- Good movie!
- Will this review put me on the cover of Hush-Hush?
