It’s widely agreed that 1997’s L.A. Confidential is a neo-noir classic. Set in Hollywood in the 50s, the film tackles complex themes of police corruption, justice and the world of celebrity, received praise for its slick visual style and introduced viewers to then-unknown actors Russell Crowe and Guy Pearce.
Also starring Kevin Spacey and Kim Basinger – who took home the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her performance as Lynn Bracken – it’s no surprise that a film with such a legacy is still talked about nearly 30 years on. In addition to Basinger’s award, the film won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay (it’s based on the novel of the same name by James Ellroy) and has been preserved by the National Film Registry in the US for its cultural significance.
