In the LA Confidential video the main character strikes a suspect while in custody. Given the circumstances presented in the movie, is such an action ever acceptable? Why? Why not?
L.A. Confidential was definitely one movie I didn’t see while it was out on the “big screen.” Too bad, because I really enjoyed it. Heck, I didn’t even know that Officer Bud White was played by Russell Crowe until the cast was displayed in the credits. Kevin Spacey, James Cromwell, and Kim Basinger were all great as well. Accolades go to the director and staff, as well as all the ‘shining stars’ that made it happen.
Now lets get to the nitty gritty.
The character portrayed by Russell Crowe, Officer Bud White, was exuding extremely violent behavior. Although the reasons for his aggressive conduct have been traced to his childhood memories and his mother dying at the hands of his father, his brutality was often unwarranted. Additionally, I feel that law enforcement professionals, regardless of the point in time, should only use force when it is necessary and discontinue it when the threat of bodily harm has subsided to the point control is once again regained. Bud White did so to the contrary, instilling fear and pain on “innocent” people who were often non-combative. There where many laws broken by the Law and personal rights were infringed. This is no way to treat someone that has not had their fair trial.
The timeline of these events should not have anything to do with the way police departments should present themselves between the 1950′s and now. However, corruption and violence amongst the police was predominant before the media started evolving and the public truly become aware of the indiscretions behind the badge of honor. Moreover, policies were different back then. At present, the knowledge that is utilized by police departments comes from the experiences of the past. In essence, learning from the mistakes of the past created opportunities for the police to shine now and in the future. I think our policing system has changed considerably since the times “L.A. Confidential” so well illustrated.
What do you think?
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