“Dark Blue” (United Artists)
“Dark Blue” is a gritty drama about corruption among the ranks of the police officers in the “city of angels.” Its tone and texture are much like those in “LA Confidential” and it has the acting strengths of that film as well. Kurt Russell is the star of “Dark Blue” and this is his best role in years.
Russell plays Eldon Perry, a third generation cop who has been brought up the old way. He sees his job as one with complete power. He hunts down the bad guys and makes sure they pay the ultimate price. When the film opens Perry’s partner, Bobby Keough (Scott Speedman) is being investigated for a shooting incident, which resulted in the death of a suspected criminal.
Perry’s mentor, Jack Van Meter (Brendan Gleeson), has made sure the results are in Keough’s favor. Van Meter is the head of the Special Investigations Squad (SIS) of which Perry and Keough are members. Van Meter rules this squad and its members with an iron fist.
When a robbery/murder occurs at a local convenience store it appears it will be a simple crime to solve. But then things get complicated due to Van Meter’s involvement in some behind the scenes deals. The assistant Police Chief, Arthur Holland (Ving Rhames) gets suspicious and has his assistant Beth Williamson (Michael Michele) do some investigating. Holland does not know that Beth is involved in an affair with Bobby Keough.
All of this plays out against the backdrop of the trial of the police officers involved in the Rodney King beating case, which has its verdict announced just as these other events are coming to a head. The city erupts into chaos and death rules the streets.
The film is beautifully photographed, brilliantly acted, and played for major involvement with the characters. Russell is at his all time best, while Speedman finally shows that he is a true actor.
One of the best pieces of acting done in the film is by Lolita Davidovich, who has to be one of the most underrated actresses in Hollywood. She plays Perry” disgruntled wife Sally, and only has a scene or two in the movie. But she makes them work for her and creates a total person in the process.
The film is rated R for profanity and violence.
“Dark Blue” is a movie that will draw you into its story and bowl you over with its intricate plot. It is violent and profane but has the right gritty feel to make it totally realistic. Don’t overlook this one in the rush of other less enjoyable movies flooding the market.
I scored “Dark Blue” a true blue 7 out of 10.
©2003 Jackie K. Cooper
