Following a brutal attack on people at a restaurant, "Exley" (Guy Pearce) advises his superiors that the LAPD needs to address the widespread corruption within its ranks. As a result, he receives a promotion from "Capt. Smith" (James Cornwall) and begins attempting to enforce legal principles rather than seeking retribution—a tactic exemplified by "White" (Russell Crowe), or the more dishonest practices of "Vincennes…

Curtis Hanson is in charge, directing and collaborating on the screenplay with Brian Helgeland, based on a novel by James Ellroy. The film features Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, James Cromwell, Kim Basinger, Danny DeVito, and David Strathairn; Jerry Goldsmith composed the music, and Dante Spinotti handled the cinematography. The story unfolds in 1950s Los Angeles, where three police officers with contra…