'L.A. Confidential' to be screened at A&M International Thursday Oct. 19

"L.A. Confidential", a film based on the novel by James Ellroy, will be screened at Texas A&M International University on Thursday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. in Bullock Hall, room 101.

The screening, organized by Dr. Sean Chadwell, assistant professor of English, and Dr. William Nichols, assistant professor of Spanish, is part of the University's "Manifestations of 'Noir" Fall Film Series, and is free of charge and open to the public.

When the film first premiered in 1997, critics acclaimed it to be, one of the most exhilarating noir thrillers to reach the screen in recent memory.

"'L.A. Confidential' fits into the 'noir' theme because it portrays a society of skewed morals where good is indistinguishable from evil, if it even exists at all,"Chadwell commented.

"'L.A. Confidential' connects with our previous film, "Touch of Evil" by revealing another facet of 'noir' which is police corruption,"Nichols further explained.

"L.A. Confidential" is a story of drugs, murder, and police corruption set in glamorous 1950's Hollywood. The film follows an idealistic young policeman, Ed Exley, as a multiple homicide he is investigating turns into something much more deceitful. Exley pairs up with Jack Vincennes (a cop gone Hollywood) as they attempt to unravel a high profile case full of organized crime, prostitution, drugs, sleazy tabloid journalism, rape, blackmail, double-crossing, and secret alliances.

After Vincennes himself is murdered, Exley uneasily teams up with Bud White (an aggressive cop brimming with tightly controlled anger), in what becomes an unlikely alliance between two cops who begin as enemies. As they investigate deeper into the murky mysteries of the L. A. police force, it becomes clear that their survival depends on working together. "L.A. Confidential" explores the very un-American conclusion that sometimes the only way that justice can be served, is by committing cold-blooded murder.

Drs. Chadwell and Nichols will briefly introduce the film and outline its stylistic and thematic debt to 'noir' before viewing. At the film's conclusion, an informal discussion will be held to answer questions and allow audience members to share their comments and opinions on the film.

The free film series continues weekly through Nov.30. The Series schedule is as follows: October 26 - "Double Indemnity" (1944); October 31- "Body Heat" (1981); November 9 - "Rear Window" (1954); November 16 - "Tesis" (1996); and November 30 - "Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid" (1982). All films are presented at 7 p.m. in Bullock Hall room 101.

For additional information on the Fall Film Series, "Manifestations of Noir,'" contact Dr. Chadwell at 326-2471 or schadwell@tamiu.edu or Dr. Nichols at 326-2610 or wnichols@tamiu.edu.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu