The Movie So Confusing, Even Oscar Winners Struggled to Explain It

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The 1997 crime thriller “L.A. Confidential,” which has recently joined Hulu’s library, is a challenging movie to summarize concisely. It was highly praised and successful upon release, even earning numerous awards, but it’s known for being complex and evocative in ways that can be hard to articulate. This neo-noir film was adapted from James Ellroy’s 1990 novel of the same name, which was part of a series, although only this one was made into a movie. If you’re keen on diving into a significant piece of contemporary cinema or reacquainting yourself with it after some time, now’s your chance. However, persuading others to watch it might prove tricky as it’s difficult to convey the unique experience it offers.

The movie L.A. Confidential revolves around a team of LAPD officers who become entangled in the intricate scandals plaguing their metropolis. Kevin Spacey portrays Detective “Hollywood Jack” Vincennes, while Guy Pearce plays Detective “Shotgun Ed” Exley, and Russell Crowe takes on the role of Officer Wendell “Bud” White. James Cromwell is Captain Dudley Smith in this gripping tale. They cross paths with other notable figures such as Kim Basinger portraying Lynn Bracken and Danny DeVito as Sid Hudgens.

The narrative unfolds in 1953, as the LAPD strives to enhance its tarnished reputation following a series of past corruptions that were exposed. The police force finds itself enmeshed in a growing network of unsettling crimes, several linked to the polished facade of the show business world. Initially, each story appears unrelated, but as events progress, they intertwine and become significant to one another.

In essence, the film shares similarities with “Pulp Fiction,” another film from the same era that follows an anthology format. The graphic portrayal of violence in “L.A. Confidential” adds to this comparison, as it’s known for its intense brutality. What sets it apart is its shock value, as it presents such graphic violence and vices during a time period, the 1950s, that is often depicted as wholesome on screen. This can influence viewers’ perceptions of the era. However, beneath this complex exterior, the narrative is confusing, and some viewers may miss crucial connections on their first watch. Navigating through all the plot twists makes the movie even more engaging.

Ultimately, the film presents a grim portrayal of American law enforcement and the struggle to maintain integrity in life overall. Upon its premiere, critics lauded its unique blend of in-depth character analysis and entertainment reminiscent of popcorn movies. Over time, this positive evaluation has become even more widespread. The movie leaves you feeling like you’ve grasped its meaning when the credits finish, but as you ponder it over the ensuing days and weeks, your comprehension deepens.

The film titled L.A. Confidential was recognized with nine Oscar nominations in its day, ultimately winning two: Best Supporting Actress for Basinger and Best Adapted Screenplay for writers Brian Helgeland and Curtis Hanson. Since then, it has consistently been praised as a masterpiece of its time and genre, often appearing on top critics’ and media outlets’ best-of lists.

Today, a first-time viewer can still discover much to appreciate about “L.A. Confidential,” and with time, some of its more fantastical scenes have become even more bizarrely captivating. The film is currently streaming in the U.S. on Hulu, and it’s also available for purchase on DVD and Blu-ray.

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2025-04-13 04:39