Russell stands out in ‘Dark Blue’

Dennis Piszkiewicz

“Dark Blue,” the new cop movie starring Kurt Russell, is promoted as

being based on a story by James Ellroy, the popular writer of novels

about crime and corruption in Los Angeles. I once heard Ellroy say

during an interview that the theme of much of his work has been “bad

white men doing bad things in the name of authority,” and that pretty

much tells you what this film is about.

The action of “Dark Blue” begins with two punks in ski masks

killing four people during what appears to be a bungled robbery of a

convenience store in Los Angeles. The job of closing this quadruple

murder case -- if not solving the crime -- is given to veteran cop

Eldon Perry, played by Kurt Russell and his young partner Bobby

Keogh, played by Scott Speedman. Perry’s philosophy of law

enforcement boils down to ensuring that, at the end of the day, the

bullets are in the bad guys and not the cops.

As they track down the killers, Perry and Keogh cut corners and

break laws, all with the approval of their boss in the police

department’s Special Investigations Squad. Worse still, their boss

gives them the names of two street thugs he wants to take the fall

for the murders, and if they resist arrest, so much the better.

Perry and his partner’s disregard for the law attracts the

attention of assistant Chief of Police Arthur Holland, played by Ving

Rhames, who wants to clean up the police force. As the film

progresses Perry and his partner both come to realize that their

corruption has become a threat to their own survival.

This film is set in 1992, the year that Rodney King, the black man

who had driven too fast and followed police orders too slowly, was

beaten for those sins by the police who stopped him. The trial of

four policemen accused of beating King and the rioting and burning of

Los Angeles that followed their acquittal is the historical backdrop

of the story.

This is a one-character movie, rogue cop Eldon Perry, with all

other actors in supporting roles. Kirk Russell, as Perry, plays the

first role he has had in many years that asks him to deliver more

than a caricature. He rises to the challenge and turns in a credible

performance as a swaggering, cynical, crude, racist cop.

Several years ago, one of James Ellroy’s novels was turned into

the stylish and successful “L.A. Confidential.” His story as told in

“Dark Blue” has less style, more grit, and a darker ending. Ellroy

fans will love the absence of sentimentality and, yes, the

romanticism of watching a corrupt man trying, for once, to do the

right thing. Cynical moviegoers may like having another chance to see

Los Angeles burn.

* DENNIS PISZKIEWICZ is a Laguna Beach resident.

‘Old School’ is

guilty pleasure

“Old School” confuses nostalgia with reality. College was not

droves of semi-clad willowy blonds fixated on pleasing and

titillating whomever happens to come along. College was not something

to pass the time in between parties. I knew people who believed in

this myth of irresponsible fun with no consequences, they either got

pregnant, dropped out, or both. Films fail to recognize the rigorous,

unremitting course work, merciless professors and exorbitant tuition,

“Old School” only perpetuates this delusion.

“Old School” can only be described as one of those wickedly funny

movies, with sinful delights, that leaves you asking yourself: “Did I

just laugh at that?” The premise centers around a distraught and

bedraggled Luke Wilson who finds himself in this pitiful state after

discovering his girlfriend engaged in a considerably depraved affair.

Wilson finds a new home, conveniently near a university, whereupon

his friends Vince Vaughn and Will Ferrell attempt to “nurse” him back

to health with parties. When the dean interferes, they are forced to

start a quasi Fraternity hell bent on the pursuits of pleasure.

Seemingly unaware of hazing laws, this hedonistic group partakes in

activities that make a moviegoer wince. The result is a zany movie

with no constraints or rules.

“Old School” borders on the pornographic, as my eyes, which darted

furtively to my date frequently to see if I was enjoying the movie

too much, would indicate. There is no doubt about its humor, but it

really begs the question as to whether all of the feminists in

America are in a coma or otherwise preoccupied. I would almost

recommend buying a ticket for another movie so as not to contribute

and still benefit from the laughs. That is not fair though, and I do

not think you should deprive yourself either. At least you have been

forewarned.

‘David Gale’ is provocative

“The Life of David Gale” magnificently produces an environment in

which the suspense is palpable and ceaselessly consuming. There is

never a dull moment as Kate Winslet taxes every resource and exhausts

every possibility to exculpate David Gale for the heinous crime of

murder. The audience mirrors every exasperated gasp and moan as time

runs short and a man’s life hangs precariously in the balance.

Winslet plays the hard boiled reporter that has been ostensibly

chosen by Gale to illuminate the truth, unravel the puzzle and

salvage Gale’s reputation, posthumously if need be. Kevin Spacey is a

paragon of stoicism as the condemned Gale. His canny smile never

reveals more than a whisper of the course that this roller coaster of

a movie sets its audience on. Winslet oscillates from a hubris

ridden, unsympathetic reporter to a compassionate ally, frantic

trying save the life of David Gale. Together they force feed the

audience the dread of impending doom, and the cruel and unusual

nature of the system that has decried David Gale.

“The Life of David Gale” is a tempestuous incursion into the world

of capital punishment. It tackles this contentious issue gracefully.

It provides the moviegoers with a uniquely provocative and insightful

look, while never forgetting the importance of blending in

exceptional performances and a captivating plot. “The Life of David

Gale” is the must-see of the season.

* EVAN MARMOL is Laguna Resident. He graduated from UC Irvine

with a degree in Psychology and Social Behavior.