We’re off the record, on the QT, and very hush-hush as we discuss Curtis Hanson’s 1997 Oscar-winning adaptation of L.A. CONFIDENTIAL. Rev up your 1952 Mercury and smile for the paparazzi, cos we’re heading on down to take a closer look.

Molly and Chloe wind through this complex detective thriller based on James Ellroy’s novel, mapping out the starry cast, including Kim Basinger, Russell Crowe and Guy Pearce. We give the movie’s themes of violence and public image a shakedown and consider how well it has aged since the late 90s (or not). Plus we reflect on what it means to watch a Hollywood film with problematic stars such as Kevin Spacey in a post-Me Too age. 

Finally, we deal out some medals and make some top-class recommendations of what to watch next.

Little correction! The Veronica Lake film mentioned is This Gun For Hire (1942).

The quote at the start is from this 1997 interview with Russell Crowe.

Cinematographer Dante Spinotti’s inspiration, Robert Frank’s The Americans.

Claire Dederer’s essay ‘What Do We Do with the Art of Monstrous Men?’ for the Paris Review.

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