19 Ultimate Final Shoot-Outs Of Cinema History
6. L.A. Confidential (1997)
The late director Curtis Hanson truly sucker-punched the industry with his flawless modernisation of the Film Noir. It won plaudits critically and financially while also sweeping up the awards seasons.
Made in lush period detail and chockfull of gripping twists and involving character arcs - the whole thing also contains one of the most pulse-pounding final shoot-out committed to celluloid.
Two detectives - Russell Crowe and Guy Pearce - with polar opposite dispositions, end up uncovering a vile network of police corruption in 50s L.A. Close to solving the mystery, they find themselves ambushed and severely outnumbered at a rundown motel in the middle of nowhere. Corrupt cops determined to snuff them roll out in an almost endless supply.
Not only is it a fantastically choreographed piece of action drama - as Crowe rolls about delivering shotgun justice, while Pearce brandishes an effective two-pistol offensive - but it works incredibly well as a character journey too. The two policemen started off the movie as sworn enemies but now work strategically in synch, with a warm (if subtle) brotherhood organically built between them.
It’s a brilliant finisher to a 90s classic which is also hands down, the best Neo-Noir ever made.