The movie focuses on a group of L.A. cops. Bud White (Russell Crowe) is a tough cop who is seen as sort of the muscle for the force. He's willing to make the tough choices and has a soft spot for women in distress - particularly if he suspects they're the victim of spousal abuse. Ed Exley (Guy Pearce), on the other hand, is a clean-cut Boy Scout, a trait that has earned more than a few dirty looks from his fellow cops. Ever the politician, Exley is always looking for a chance to move up, especially if it helps him move out of his father's shadow. Finally there's Jack Vincennes (Kevin Spacey), a slick cop who also works as the technical advisor for Badge of Honor, a police drama. Vincennes also has dealings with a slimy tabloid reporter, Sid Hudgeons (Danny Devito) and the two often orchestrate celebrity arrests; Hudgeons gets more readers and Vincennes earns more fame and kickbacks.
Between stories about their personal lives, the three cops investigate the Nite Owl murders. Exley decides to live up to his family's name and does things by the book. At the same time, White follows the victims, eventually leading him to high-class call girl Lynn Bracken (Kim Basinger), who has ties to the case. Meanwhile, Vincennes follows up on a pornography ring that employs prostitutes who look like movie stars. His investigation also leads him to Bracken and the Nite Owl murders. Eventually, all three become entwined in a plot involving corruption in the department and the city's publication leadership.
It's always a good sign when a movie is over quickly, or at least when it feels that way. Whether it is because of the incredible cast, writing or engrossing plot, L.A. Confidential doesn't feel like a nearly two and a half hour long movie. The story is incredibly complex; there are plot twists upon plot twists and you never know where the case is going to end up next. Keeping the action split between the three cops also helps to make the plot seem bigger than it is. The only person who knows everything is the audience, which really helps to draw viewers into the story.
L.A. Confidential features a slew of extras over the orginal DVD release, making the upgrade worth it if you already own the DVD version. Most of the cast is on hand for commentary, including Russell Crowe, Kim Basinger, Kevin Spacey, Danny Devito and Guy Pearce. The cast commentary is as engrossing as the movie and is not the cast's only time to shine. The cast also gets its due in "A True Ensemble," which looks at the cast in detail.
James Ellory, film historian Andrew Sarris and Brian Hedgeland (screenplay writer) also contribute commentary and are featured in their own extras. "L.A. Confidential: From Book to Screen" follows the process of adapting Ellroy's book and "Whatever You Desire" gives a behind-the-scenes look at the production process. "Sunlight and Shadows" looks at the movie's visual style, making sure that everyone involved with the movie gets some sort of credit.
There are also a few extras that, while not that informative, are still fun. The interactive map tour shows off some of the actual Hollywood locations used in the movie and "Photo Pitch" recreates Director Curtis Hanson's movie pitch. Then there's the pilot for the proposed L.A. Confidential TV series and a music-only track featuring Jerry Goldsmith's score. This is complimented by a second CD featuring music from the movie.
L.A. Confidential is one of the best detective movies to come out in the last decade, and should find a place in your collection.
