Dark Blue [DVD] [2003]

"Dark Blue" is set just before the Rodney King verdict of April 1992 and its aftermath, when the LAPD left neighbourhoods to the mercy of looters and arsonists. The film is a salutory, allegorical cop drama; the type of genre-based cult favourite we don't see so much today. And that's what I liked about Dark Blue.This film - based on James Ellroy's novel - reminded me of "Training Day", which should provide some hints. Kurt Russell at his best - with his gifted range - matches the mighty Denzel Washington. No mean feat there; they're both eminently watchable and great at being mean on screen. The screenplay for "LA Confidential" came from James Ellroy, so in "Dark Blue" we get his brand of hard-bitten visceral LA cops and criminals, albeit with a familiar plot replete with bored neglected partners and romance.I won't start a thesis on the story and plot, I'll let you watch it. However, for me, the plot is undermined at times by distractions that you might think strengthen the story and develop the characters , or they're just baggage.Ving Rhames is always a welcome presence just the same as Kurt Russell, and the able supporting cast. Yes it may be formulaic and predictable sometimes, even getting "old". But there's something attractive about allegorical LA cop and crime stories. The subject matter, the performances and locations along with scenes of degradation, made this film worthwhile for me. Therefore it's sitting on the shelf at home alongside LA Confidential.

You have to admire Kurt Russel, he is always watchable but in this case plays a pretty dislikeable character as an LA cop who has got sucked into breaking rules and corruption to the point he does not really see it anymore. With his rooky partner the film starts out with them playing the system as he always has with the background of the Rodney King trial going on and hinting that changes are coming.This is a dark and quite intense film but it is also well observed. There are a few too many coincidences and stereotypes, both black and white for my liking and the end is rather contrived but overall I enjoyed it as a gritty take on LA policing in the 90s.

This is the forerunner of Street Kings (also by Ayer) and follows much the same premise: the hero is a gunfighter, mentored by a corrupt and powerful figure within the department, here played with quiet relish and venom by the inimitable Brendan Gleeson (in the other, by Forrest Whittaker). There is also the rookie partner initiated into the way of the street, as well as the crusading and ambitious politico, here played by Ving Rhames (in the other by Hugh Laurie). Both are entertaining films and can be enjoyed in their own right: this one is darker and grittier, the bullets here are more verbal and delivered by the seasoned performers themselves. This one is lifted up by an excellent Kurt Russel, whose increasingly desperate anti-hero scrambles to keep up as his options (and friends) dry up one by one.

Pretty heavy and depressing film about corrupt cops in L.A. and the racial tensions within the force and in the city, set during the Rodney King riots, though this film was produced 10 years later in 2002.Very watchable if you're in the mood, especially for the amazing performance by Kurt Russell who is fearless in his selection of characters that he plays, not always choosing to be cast as 'the good guy'. Brendan Gleeson is coldly effective as Russell's equally corrupt boss. Certainly the meatier roles stood out in the film but maybe that's because both these fine actors were in top form.Even though there is some half-hearted redemption at the end of the film I was left uneasy with what I'd just watched because it reminded me so much of recent events, again in the USA, that have led to the Black Lives Matter campaign. Live, murder, riot. Repeat.113 minutes, English subtitles, bonus features, excellent picture quality capturing the feel of the times.

Five stars

A pretty standard storyline, but this was a very well done film. I thought Russell was outstanding, and a great support cast, lent this film a real hard edge. Based on a James Ellroy novel, the dialogue, action and acting all were in the top notch category.

GREAT ACTORS ASIDE. NOT GREAT. NOT GRITTY. AFTER THE SCENE IN WHICH THE PROTAGONISTS CELEBRATED THEIR VICTORY, ON A SHOOTING REPORT. WHICH WAS A GOOD SCENE, IT JUST FELL APART.SCHMALTZY MOMENTS. MURDEROUS MOMENTS. SO CALLED INTENSE SCENES WERE ALL FILMED IN THE SAME BORING MANNER. I DIDN'T SEE ONE SHADOW. IT WAS LIKE WATCHING A CRAPPY TV SHOW.POOR SCREENPLAY. POOR CINEMATOGRAPHER. POOR DIRECTOR.

Decent crime drama with a story that's not very original and a weird choice of 80s style music, but is made compelling mainly by Kurt Russell's performance. Recommended watch.