Dark Blue Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Kurt Russell yells a lot, bad things happen in LA, and then everyone feels bad.

🍿 Dark Blue: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Eldon Perry and the SIS

Set in Los Angeles in April 1992, days before the Rodney King verdict, the film introduces Eldon Perry (Kurt Russell), a veteran LAPD detective in the Special Investigations Squad (SIS). Perry is known for his ruthless tactics and loyalty to his superiors. He embodies the old-school, ends-justify-the-means approach to policing.

The Quadruple Homicide and Bobby Keough

The SIS is assigned a high-profile quadruple homicide at a Korean-owned store. Perry is tasked with mentoring rookie Bobby Keough (Scott Speedman), who is also the nephew of Assistant Chief Jack Van Meter (Brendan Gleeson). As Perry tutors Keough, he exposes him to the darker side of law enforcement, including intimidation, corruption, and planting evidence. Keough begins to question Perry’s methods, creating internal conflict.

Holland’s Investigation and Rising Tensions

Assistant Chief Arthur Holland (Ving Rhames) is the moral compass of the department, suspicious of the SIS and Perry’s tactics. He launches an internal investigation, threatening to expose the corruption within the squad. As tensions rise, Perry and Keough navigate the streets of South Central L.A., facing their own demons alongside the external pressures of the King verdict and the impending riots.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Eldon Perry (Kurt Russell): A corrupt, veteran LAPD detective who begins to question his methods amidst the Rodney King trial and LA riots.
• Arthur Holland (Ving Rhames): An honest Assistant Chief who stands against the corruption in the LAPD’s Special Investigations Squad.
• Bobby Keough (Scott Speedman): A rookie SIS detective who is mentored by Eldon and struggles with the moral implications of police corruption.
• Jack Van Meter (Brendan Gleeson): A corrupt Police Chief who protects Eldon and embodies the systemic corruption within the LAPD.
• Beth Williamson (Michael Michele): A sergeant working with Holland, Beth is a principled officer who also shares a romantic past with Bobby.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Det. Sgt. Eldon Perry Jr.: “If the city is starting to burn, Jack, it’s partly because of guys like you and me.” – Perry realizes the systemic corruption within the LAPD is contributing to the chaos of the riots.
• Jack Van Meter: “Get the hell down from there. While you’re grandstanding here the city is starting to burn.” – Van Meter’s reaction to Perry, indicating a lack of concern for the bigger picture.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $9,250,301
• Worldwide Gross: $12,150,301

💥 Dark Blue Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this movie and being completely drawn in by Kurt Russell’s performance. He was so believable as a flawed, morally corrupt cop. The tension was palpable, especially with the Rodney King trial looming over everything. I also like how the film is very suspenseful, but does not heavily rely on action. The ending, while a bit preachy, still resonated with me. It’s a movie that makes you think about justice and what it really means.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of crime dramas and police thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in films set against historical events like the L.A. riots”
  • “Those who appreciate morally complex characters and stories of redemption”
  • “Kurt Russell fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language including racial slurs”
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Themes of police brutality and corruption”
  • “Brief nudity”

Professional Reviews

• JoBlo.com: “Kurt Russell gives a top-notch performance as a morally ambiguous cop teetering on the edge. The film effectively uses the backdrop of the LA riots to explore themes of corruption and justice, making it a compelling watch.
• IMDb User Review: “Kurt Russell delivers one of his best performances as a corrupt cop facing the consequences of his actions amidst the backdrop of the Rodney King trial. The movie is gritty, realistic, and a must-see for fans of crime dramas.
• IMDb User Review: “While the movie deals with serious themes like police corruption and racism, its use of the LA riots as a backdrop feels somewhat exploitative. Kurt Russell shines, but the overall impact is diluted by a predictable plot.

Audience Reactions

Russell’s intense performance and the gritty realism of the LAPD corruption kept me on the edge of my seat.: Viewers frequently praise Kurt Russell’s performance as a career high, noting his ability to portray a complex, flawed character.

The film’s exploration of complex moral issues and its use of the Rodney King trial as a backdrop made it a thought-provoking watch.: Many appreciate the film’s historical context and its attempt to address the realities of police brutality and racial tensions.

Overall Consensus: Dark Blue is a gritty crime drama elevated by Kurt Russell’s performance but somewhat hampered by a predictable plot and potentially exploitative use of historical events. Still, its exploration of police corruption and moral ambiguity makes it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “James Ellroy, the author of the original story, disowned the film after David Ayer heavily rewrote his script, keeping only character names.”
• “The movie is set against the backdrop of the 1992 Los Angeles riots following the Rodney King verdict, adding a layer of social commentary to the crime drama.”
• “Filming locations included Wilmington and various parts of Los Angeles, capturing the gritty urban landscape relevant to the story’s themes.”

🖥️ How to Watch Dark Blue?

As of [Current Date], Dark Blue is available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check your preferred streaming service for availability, as it may vary. You can also search for DVD or Blu-ray copies online.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Dark Blue, you might like these similar films:

• Training Day (2001): Features a similar theme of police corruption and a veteran officer mentoring a rookie in the harsh realities of law enforcement.
• L.A. Confidential (1997): Explores corruption within the LAPD during a different era, with a complex plot and morally ambiguous characters.
• Colors (1988): Set in Los Angeles, it examines the relationship between the police and the community, tackling issues of race and police brutality.
• End of Watch (2012): Provides a raw and realistic depiction of police work in Los Angeles, focusing on the bond between two officers and the dangers they face.

🛒 Dark Blue Related Products

• L.A. Confidential (Special Edition) [Blu-ray]: Explore the world of James Ellroy with another fantastic film adaption of his books. Set in the 1950’s this neo-noir crime film is about police corruption in Los Angeles
• Training Day [4K UHD]: Ethan Hawke and Denzel Washington star in this crime thriller movie about moral ambiguous police officers in Los Angeles.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Kurt Russell as Jack Burton in Big Trouble in Little China: A Funko Pop! figure of Kurt Russell as Jack Burton from Big Trouble in Little China
• James Ellroy: Crime Fiction Collection: A collection of hard-boiled crime novels from the author who wrote Dark Blue

🎧 Soundtrack

Dark Blue features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Neighborhood Sniper” – performed by Eazy-E
• “Dark Blue Score” – performed by Terence Blanchard

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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