I remember this movie being one of the classics of the 90s. It was made in 97. 21 years ago.
It has a 99% on rottentomatoes. Won 2 Oscars.
The movie is set in the 50s, so some "problematic" social issues are bound to come up. The problem is how some of these issues are just glossed over. Some of the characters' actions end up being completely consequence-free. There isn't even an ounce of consideration, or thoughtfulness, behind the fucked up things that happen, which lessens the "it was the 50's" argument.
Here's a list of things that happen in the movie:
- A group of 5-10 of cops beats up three Latinos in the basement of the precinct. They get somewhat reprimanded. Cool.
After that, it's all downhill.
- Based on some planted proof, 3 black men get arrested for a crime they didn't commit.
- Turns out, the 3 men were criminals after all (how lucky!), having raped and abducted a girl.
- The 3 men escape and are found again by the "good cop" (Guy Pierce) A shootout ensues. One of the potential rapists escapes from the shootout, the good cop follows him. The potential rapist gets in an elevator, and just as soon as the doors seem to be closed, the "good guy" sticks the shotgun in the crack and fires to the unarmed, trapped man. Not a second thought is given to this action.
- There are basically three women in the movie. Two prostitutes (one dead) and a latina (raped) who lied to the cops about her abductors to give more publicity to her case.
- The leading woman (the leading prostitute) falls in love with one of the cops, the violent one (Russel Crowe). She is then forced by her pimp to fuck the "good cop."
- The violent cop finds out, beats her up. Next time we see her, her face is red and swollen. The time after that, it's happy ending time: she's taking care of the wounded violent cop and kisses him, driving away to hopefully better times.
Part of it is clearly showing how fucked up the 50s in LA were. Specifically planting evidence, extorted confessions, relationship with the media and nepotism within the police department.
But other things are just completely skipped.
1) The three black men were rapists after all!
2) Let's shoot an unarmed man in the elevator!
3) Let's have all our actresses be prostitutes, and make sure not one of them leaves the movie unharmed!
4) She forgives him!
I have tried giving this movie the benefit of the doubt as I was watching it, but some things just seem like complete oversight instead of satire.
Here's the summary on IMDB:
Its focus is clearly on the dark mystery, rather than the massively problematic time it is set in.
Thoughts?
It has a 99% on rottentomatoes. Won 2 Oscars.
The movie is set in the 50s, so some "problematic" social issues are bound to come up. The problem is how some of these issues are just glossed over. Some of the characters' actions end up being completely consequence-free. There isn't even an ounce of consideration, or thoughtfulness, behind the fucked up things that happen, which lessens the "it was the 50's" argument.
Here's a list of things that happen in the movie:
- A group of 5-10 of cops beats up three Latinos in the basement of the precinct. They get somewhat reprimanded. Cool.
After that, it's all downhill.
- Based on some planted proof, 3 black men get arrested for a crime they didn't commit.
- Turns out, the 3 men were criminals after all (how lucky!), having raped and abducted a girl.
- The 3 men escape and are found again by the "good cop" (Guy Pierce) A shootout ensues. One of the potential rapists escapes from the shootout, the good cop follows him. The potential rapist gets in an elevator, and just as soon as the doors seem to be closed, the "good guy" sticks the shotgun in the crack and fires to the unarmed, trapped man. Not a second thought is given to this action.
- There are basically three women in the movie. Two prostitutes (one dead) and a latina (raped) who lied to the cops about her abductors to give more publicity to her case.
- The leading woman (the leading prostitute) falls in love with one of the cops, the violent one (Russel Crowe). She is then forced by her pimp to fuck the "good cop."
- The violent cop finds out, beats her up. Next time we see her, her face is red and swollen. The time after that, it's happy ending time: she's taking care of the wounded violent cop and kisses him, driving away to hopefully better times.
Part of it is clearly showing how fucked up the 50s in LA were. Specifically planting evidence, extorted confessions, relationship with the media and nepotism within the police department.
But other things are just completely skipped.
1) The three black men were rapists after all!
2) Let's shoot an unarmed man in the elevator!
3) Let's have all our actresses be prostitutes, and make sure not one of them leaves the movie unharmed!
4) She forgives him!
I have tried giving this movie the benefit of the doubt as I was watching it, but some things just seem like complete oversight instead of satire.
Here's the summary on IMDB:
And the summary review on RT:
Its focus is clearly on the dark mystery, rather than the massively problematic time it is set in.
Thoughts?
