Rampart raises a question about filmmaking itself: why do projects sometimes fall so short of their potential? The movie brings together considerable talent—Woody Harrelson as a troubled Los Angeles police officer, alongside Sigourney Weaver, Steve Buscemi, Ned Beatty, and Robin Wright—and initially seems to offer a compelling story. However, the film’s strengths are undermined by issues like underutilized actors, poor writing, inadequate development, and an exceptionally weak conclusion. It underscores that simply assembling talented performers doesn't guarantee a successful movie. The narrative unfolds in the late 1990s, centering on Dave Brown (Harrelson), a police officer with 24 years of experience. He’s openly racist, misogynistic, and violent, showing no remorse for his actions. His household includes two sisters who are also his partners and mothers to his daughters. At work, he routinely extracts confessions through force, and isn't hesitant to threaten lives. Ethics clearly aren’t a priority for this man. The story progresses as Dave finds himself under investigation by his superiors following an incident where he used excessive force against someone who damaged his patrol car. This event also brings up details about a decade-old case involving Dave’s alleged killing of a rapist, leading to a pending lawsuit. Essentially, the plot serves more as a backdrop for exploring the character of one deeply flawed individual and those affected by him. Writing this review, I'm struggling to find positive aspects of Rampart. The only real standout is Woody Harrelson’s performance. He’s an actor I greatly admire, and his versatility is remarkable; he deserves an Oscar someday. His portrayal here is convincing, but it feels largely wasted in what amounts to pretentious art-house material. A stronger film might have earned him recognition. Instead, we're presented with a flimsy excuse for an artistic film. Technically, the cinematography and lighting are commendable—the color palette and camera angles create a heavy atmosphere. Beyond that, however, the movie falters. Established actors are relegated to minor, forgettable roles that could have been filled by anyone. Sigourney Weaver’s role as a district attorney is limited to a few minutes behind a desk; Steve Buscemi has an almost nonexistent part with minimal dialogue; Robin Wright's character’s relevance becomes increasingly unclear. And Ned Beatty appears briefly somewhere in the film. It’s important to note that the film’s failings aren't due to the actors themselves, who are all capable performers. The core problem lies with the screenplay, which lacks a proper beginning, sufficient buildup, and a deeply unsatisfying ending. The storytelling feels disjointed and random, as if scenes were arbitrarily assembled. Director Oren Moverman has directed acclaimed films like 'I'm Not There,' but Rampart isn’t one I would want associated with my work. Perhaps the biggest disappointment is the lack of impact. The film aims to depict the extreme violence of this “all-American” police officer, and while his words and actions are undeniably brutal, they aren’t as shocking as anticipated. While anyone behaving in such a manner should be incarcerated, as a film it simply isn't engaging enough. There are undoubtedly many individuals similar to Dave Brown, and some cops are likely even worse. Overall, the movie drags, the pacing is poor, and ultimately leaves you feeling empty and unfulfilled. Some viewers might appreciate Rampart’s vague artistic qualities, but I usually enjoy those kinds of films; this one, however, doesn't resonate with me. It represents a squandered opportunity for talented individuals, and I wish it had been a better film—they all deserve that. This movie is a mark against anyone’s professional history.

Source on TMDB