LA Confidential, the neo-noir crime thriller hailed as a "masterpiece for the ages," airs on Film4 tonight. The film, which holds a near-perfect 99 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, was nominated for nine Academy Awards and is often cited as one of the best films to have lost the Best Picture Oscar.
A Star-Studded Cast and Breakthrough Roles
The film stars Kim Basinger, Kevin Spacey, Danny DeVito, and Australian actors Guy Pearce and Russell Crowe, in what would become a breakthrough role for both. Based on James Ellroy's novel, it was directed by Curtis Hanson, who co-wrote the script with Brian Helgeland.
Set in 1950s Los Angeles, LA Confidential follows a group of police officers dealing with corruption and the world of Hollywood celebrity. The film was nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, Best Sound, and Best Film Editing at the Academy Awards.
Critical and Fan Acclaim
The film won Oscars for Kim Basinger for Best Supporting Actress and for Best Screenplay. One critic said: "Writer-director Curtis Hanson's adaptation of the James Ellroy novel wasn't merely one of the two or three greatest movies of the 1990s; it stands as a masterpiece for the ages."
Another added: "The flawless ensemble..., the masterfully written story, the vibrant yet gritty vision of 1950s LA - most everything clicks in this fittingly cynical and undeniably seductive period crime thriller that still maintains its style and sizzle."
Fans Praise the Film
Fans were equally lavish in their praise. One wrote: "A masterclass in crime noir. L.A. Confidential is one of those movies that reminds you why people love cinema. The cast is phenomenal, the acting is excellent, and the production design makes every scene feel authentic."
Another said: "A mystery thriller that moves like few others. The twists and turns will be obvious to any average movie goer, but the plot was never the focus. This is a clear cut character piece and here, few can rival the masterclass work on display."
While a third added: "L.A. Confidential is, without a doubt, the best film of the '90s, and one of the best films ever made." The film airs on Film4 at 12.45am this morning.
