Rampart Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A cop hates everyone equally but mostly just smokes and sleeps with his ex-wives, and then Internal Affairs is like, ‘Dude, chill.’

🍿 Rampart: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Dave Brown

The film introduces Dave Brown, a veteran LAPD officer working in the Rampart division in 1999. He’s portrayed as a complex character with questionable morals, known for his brutal methods and controversial past, including the alleged murder of a serial date rapist, earning him the nickname ‘Date Rape Dave.’ He lives with his two ex-wives, who are sisters, and their daughters, maintaining a complicated family dynamic.

Caught on Camera

Brown’s life takes a turn when he is caught on video brutally beating a suspect after a car accident. The incident triggers a media frenzy and puts him under intense scrutiny from the department and Internal Affairs. This event serves as the catalyst for the unraveling of his personal and professional life, forcing him to confront the consequences of his actions.

Spiral and Betrayal

As the investigation intensifies, Brown becomes increasingly paranoid and isolated. He seeks help from a former colleague, Hartshorn, and engages in a dangerous alliance with a disabled veteran, General Terry. His attempts to navigate the situation lead him down a path of self-destruction, marked by further questionable actions and betrayals. His relationships deteriorate as his behavior becomes more erratic and desperate.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• David Douglas Brown (Woody Harrelson): A misogynistic and racist LAPD officer known as ‘Date Rape Dave’ who faces scrutiny after a brutal beating is caught on video.
• General Terry (Ben Foster): A crippled Vietnam war veteran and street person who serves as an informant and associate to Dave Brown.
• Joan Confrey (Sigourney Weaver): An Assistant District Attorney who attempts to manage the fallout from Dave Brown’s actions and the Rampart scandal.
• Barbara (Cynthia Nixon): One of Dave Brown’s ex-wives, the sister of Catherine, and mother to one of his daughters, living in a complex co-dependent household.
• Catherine (Anne Heche): One of Dave Brown’s ex-wives, the sister of Barbara, and mother to one of his daughters, living in a complex co-dependent household.
• Helen (Brie Larson): Dave Brown’s elder daughter, struggling with her own identity and the dysfunctional family dynamic.
• Dan Morone (Jon Bernthal): A fellow officer caught up in the events surrounding Dave Brown.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dave Brown: “Bear in mind that I am not a racist. Fact is, I hate all people equally.” – Dave states this to an internal affairs investigator, revealing his misanthropic worldview.
• Dave Brown: “I was under attack, I went after the suspect. End of story.” – Dave’s standard response to justify his excessive use of force, showing his lack of remorse.
• Catherine: “You know what I think? I think you were a dirty cop from day one. You were a dirty cop with a dirty mind and you dirtied all of us up by default.” – Catherine confronts Dave, expressing the damage he has inflicted on his family.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $972,512
• Worldwide Gross: $1,567,905

💥 Rampart Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so Rampart isn’t exactly a feel-good movie, but wow, Woody Harrelson is intense! He plays this cop who’s just… a mess. The whole thing made me feel uncomfortable, like I was watching something I shouldn’t. There’s this scene where he’s with his daughters, and you can see he actually cares, but it’s like he’s incapable of being a good person. I think it is worth seeing just for Harrelson’s performance. It’s a bit of a downer, but its very memorable and stays with you for a long time after watching.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of gritty crime dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in films exploring moral ambiguity”
  • “Those who appreciate strong performances, particularly by Woody Harrelson”
  • “People interested in the Rampart scandal and police corruption”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence and brutality”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Sexual content and references”
  • “Themes of racism and misogyny”
  • “Drug use”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Woody Harrelson delivers a raw, intense performance as a deeply flawed cop spiraling out of control. While the film’s gritty realism is compelling, it lacks a clear narrative focus, leaving the viewer feeling adrift in Dave Brown’s chaotic world. The supporting cast shines, but their fleeting appearances add to the sense of incompleteness.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Rampart offers a bleak and uncompromising look at police corruption through the eyes of a man beyond redemption. Harrelson’s performance is magnetic, but the film’s downbeat tone and lack of resolution may leave some viewers unsatisfied. Director Oren Moverman creates a palpable sense of unease, but the film ultimately feels like a character study without a clear purpose.
• The New York Times: “James Ellroy’s fingerprints are all over Rampart. The film presents a disturbing portrait of a man consumed by his own demons, but it sacrifices narrative coherence for atmospheric intensity. Woody Harrelson fully embodies the amorality of Dave Brown, but the film struggles to find meaning in his downward spiral, feeling more like a mood piece.

Audience Reactions

Harrelson’s raw, powerful performance is the main reason to watch.: Most viewers acknowledge Woody Harrelson’s acting prowess but are divided on the film’s overall quality, with some finding it a compelling character study and others a directionless mess.

Overall Consensus: A strong performance from Woody Harrelson is not enough to elevate this unfocused and bleak crime drama, leaving audiences divided on its merits.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Woody Harrelson sought advice from Christian Bale to achieve Dave’s gaunt appearance; Bale recommended a restrictive diet and intense running.”
• “The film is loosely based on the Rampart scandal that involved widespread police corruption in the LAPD’s Rampart Division in the late 1990s.”
• “James Ellroy, known for his crime fiction and hard-boiled style, co-wrote the screenplay, contributing to the film’s dark and morally ambiguous tone.”

🖥️ How to Watch Rampart?

Rampart is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on demand through services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options as well. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray are also available for purchase from major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Rampart, you might like these similar films:

• Training Day (2001): Features a corrupt cop as a main character, exploring similar themes of police brutality and moral decay.
• L.A. Confidential (1997): Also based on a James Ellroy novel and set in Los Angeles, exploring themes of police corruption and moral ambiguity within the LAPD.
• Bad Lieutenant (1992): Explores the depths of corruption and moral decay within a police officer, similar to Dave Brown’s downward spiral.
• The Shield (2002-2008): A TV series about a rogue group of cops in Los Angeles, similar themes, long form story telling allows more character development.

🛒 Rampart Related Products

• James Ellroy’s L.A. Quartet Box Set: Dive deeper into the corrupt world of 1950s Los Angeles with this collection of crime noir novels, including L.A. Confidential, The Black Dahlia, The Big Nowhere and White Jazz. Experience the thrilling, raw storytelling that inspired Rampart’s gritty realism.
• Training Day (Blu-ray): Explore another side of police corruption with Denzel Washington’s unforgettable performance in Training Day. A stark contrast to Rampart, Training Day offers suspenseful twists, showcasing the moral compromises made in the line of duty.
• LAPD Police Badge Prop Replica: Own a piece of the LAPD with this realistic prop replica. Crafted with attention to detail, this badge is a must-have for collectors and fans of law enforcement dramas. Embrace the intensity and authenticity of Rampart with this tangible piece of movie-inspired memorabilia.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Control Machete” – performed by Control Machete

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Rampart Scandal – Horrible Crimes Committed by Police

Ever wondered what really went down in the Rampart scandal that inspired the movie? This video breaks down all the dirty details of the LAPD’s corruption. It’s a wild ride, you won’t believe what these cops got away with!

This Is What An Oscar Winning Villain Looks Like

Denzel Washington’s performance in Training Day is legendary! This video breaks down what makes his portrayal of a corrupt cop so captivating and earned him an Oscar. If you loved Rampart, you will love it.

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