‘L.A. Confidential’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, Sean Fennessey, and Andy Greenwald
The Rewatchables Podcast Recap
Published:
Duration: 2 hr 30 min
Summary
The episode dissects the 1997 film 'L.A. Confidential', exploring its Oscar competition, adaptation process, and enduring legacy. The hosts provide in-depth analysis of its thematic elements, casting decisions, and directorial choices.
What Happened
The podcast episode examines 'L.A. Confidential', a film nominated for nine Oscars in 1997, including Best Picture, where it competed against 'Titanic'. Despite losing most of its nominations to 'Titanic', the film is often considered a more deserving winner by some critics and film enthusiasts.
The film is an adaptation of James Ellroy's novel, part of his LA Quartet, which includes 'The Black Dahlia', 'The Big Nowhere', and 'White Jazz'. Andy Greenwald notes that the film adaptation significantly differs from the book by focusing on three main characters instead of eight and condensing the complex narrative into a central mystery.
The casting of relatively unknown actors like Russell Crowe and Guy Pearce was a strategic decision by director Curtis Hanson to avoid preconceived audience notions. This decision allowed for fresh, standout performances, particularly Crowe's, which marked the beginning of his rise to stardom.
Kim Basinger's role in the film earned her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, a win that surprised some who believed other nominees like Julianne Moore in 'Boogie Nights' had more challenging roles. However, Basinger also won several other accolades, including a BAFTA and a Golden Globe.
The film was praised for its efficient storytelling and structural perfection, showcasing Curtis Hanson's skill in adapting complex source material. The adaptation was noted for its focus on thematic elements like police corruption, tabloid culture, and the duality of Los Angeles.
The cinematography by Dante Spinotti contributes to the film's tone, with techniques like reflection and split diopter shots enhancing the noir aesthetic. The hosts also compare 'L.A. Confidential' to other professional, ego-less films like 'Apollo 13', emphasizing its technical precision and storytelling prowess.
Despite its critical success, 'L.A. Confidential' was not a box office hit, grossing $126 million on a $35 million budget. Attempts to adapt it into a TV series have failed, with two pilots, one in 2003 and another in 2019, both being shelved.
The podcast also addresses the cultural and historical context of the film, including its portrayal of post-World War II male archetypes and the real-life LAPD's influence on its themes. The film's preservation by the Library of Congress underscores its significance in American cinema.
Key Insights
- Despite its critical acclaim, 'L.A. Confidential' was not a box office hit, earning $126 million against a $35 million budget. Its success was more pronounced in its storytelling and adaptation of James Ellroy's complex novel.
- The film's casting of unknown actors was a calculated move by Curtis Hanson to bring fresh perspectives to the characters. This allowed Russell Crowe and Guy Pearce to deliver standout performances without audience preconceptions.
- Kim Basinger's Oscar win for Best Supporting Actress was considered surprising by some, given the competition from other performances like Julianne Moore's in 'Boogie Nights'. Nonetheless, Basinger received multiple awards for her role.
- Attempts to adapt 'L.A. Confidential' into a TV series have been unsuccessful, with pilots in 2003 and 2019 both failing to be picked up. The film's complex narrative and themes may contribute to the difficulty in translating it to television.