Dark Blue (2002) Review:

Officers of the law are supposed to be and created for a means of protection. To keep the innocent safe and put away the corrupted. And while that is majority of the case, there's always one bad apple who fouls it up for everyone else. When these kinds of reports hit the news, it becomes harder for the public to trust those who sworn to uphold the law. However, in cities where crime is up far beyond the capabilities of the local departments, judgement can get skewed on what's right and wrong. For James Ellroy, best known for his novel L.A. Confidential, cops seem to be a common theme in his works. While according to him his written work was not adapted at all here, it sure fits his mode of thought. The product here is definitely an entertaining piece because scenarios like this can happen in the real world.

"Alright guys,....how long we gonna be waiting here?"

The plot is about a special unit within the L.A. Police Department that work to take out all the bad people in town. The problem is, their method of getting the job done isn't always proper. Kurt Russell plays Eldon Perry, a detective who grew up in L.A. learning from his Father how to be a cop. Working under Jack Van Meter (Brendan Gleeson), Perry will do what it takes to get the job done. Under Perry is new recruit named Bobby Keough (Scott Speedman) who is still learning what to do. However, after an encounter gone wrong involving two perpetrators Gary Sidwell (Dash Mihok) and Darry Orchard (Kurupt), another official named Arthur Holland (Ving Rhames) is on the tale of both Meter and Perry. All the while, Keough is having a fling with Beth Williamson (Michael Michele) and Sally (Lolita Davidovich), Eldon's wife is having second thoughts about their marriage.

Writing the screenplay to this feature was David Ayer, who also wrote for Training Day (2001) and The Fast and the Furious (2001) at the time. For not baring any relationship to Ellroy's work, Ayer's interpretation is well covered for the most part. The story is compelling enough to believe both sides of the argument. While it may seem like putting away people who committed crimes but not for that reason seems validated, it isn't justified in that way. People should go to jail for the crime they committed, not for someone else's. It's this kind of conflict in morality that helps develop several of these main characters. It also displays to the audience how rough it can be choosing sides when it feels like both sides are right in their own way. Ron Shelton heads this picture and his direction is fairly focused aside from one plot point that gets dropped. Shelton's also the director of White Men Can't Jump (1992) and Cobb (1994).

The cast of actors brought on for this feature perform well too. Kurt Russell as usual does his very best to embody his role to the fullest. While he seems rough around the edges, he does have his softer side. Scott Speedman and Michael Michele work well off each other too. Of the two though, Michele is the stronger half showing great emotion in her role. Then there's Gleeson's character who really puts the command in his orders. As for Ving Rhames, a little more focus could have been put on him. Rhames plays his character calm, cool and collected even with other people breathing down his neck. Even Lolita Davidovich and Khandi Alexander who play Eldon and Arthur's wives, do an adequate job considering they fit in just for sub plots. It can be a real challenge to fit all the characters in for enough time, but this was done fairly well.

Ving Rhames

Supporting components to the story did their job. Since this was more of a thriller, the action in this film is not as abundant. So for those who are looking for some energetic action, they might be disappointed. However, the cinematography shot by Barry Peterson works for the setting. While urban terrain usually ugly and unappealing, Peterson is able to give the setting scope and depth showing just how out of control L.A. has gotten. Peterson would also shoot for 21 Jump Street (2012) and Central Intelligence (2016). As for music, composer Terence Blanchard took the lead. Incorporating all kinds of instruments like flute, drums, organ and bass guitar, the sound is not from the typical film score. This is what makes it sound all the more unique. Occasionally a trumpet is included as well to emphasize a more dramatic scene. Well done.

The action and one part of the story is weak but that's it. The story is an interesting look at corrupt and loyal officers of the law and how it affects society. The main cast do a good job, the camerawork matches the mood and the music stands out from many other film scores.

Points Earned --> 7:10