raywest

6th May 2018

La Confidential (1997)

Question: Why wasn't Bud, the police detective who was shot but not killed, treated as a hero but instead is shown leaving town with the Veronica Lake look-alike played by Kim Bassinger? It doesn't make and sense.

Answer: I'm guessing that it was purely to create a bit of tension for the audience in the final scenes of the film. The audience is led to believe that Bud White is dead, and then BOOM, there he is, wounded but alive, and ready to embark on a new life. I could also postulate that the character of Bud White would not want the attention of being hailed as a hero.

EJ

Answer: To cover up the corruption and protect the department's image, the LAPD hid Smith's crimes by claiming that he died as a hero in the shootout. Exley also bargained to be hailed a hero and received a medal for bravery.

raywest

1st Jun 2016

La Confidential (1997)

Question: Smith asks Exley if he'd be wiling to shoot a criminal in the back to prevent a lawyer getting him off. Were the police really allowed to play judge, jury and executioner in the 50s?

MikeH

Chosen answer: No they were not legally allowed to, but corrupt, rogue cops who brandished their own form of justice would do that type of thing.

raywest