Watch Rampart
- R
- 2012
-
5.8 (25,328)
Rampart is a 2011 crime drama film directed by Oren Moverman and starring Woody Harrelson, Ben Foster, and Sigourney Weaver. Set in the late 1990s in Los Angeles, the movie is centered around the controversial and corrupt LAPD officer, Dave Brown (Harrelson), who finds himself at the center of an internal investigation following a violent encounter with a motorist.
Brown is a veteran police officer who has survived many scandals and controversies throughout his career, including his involvement in the infamous Rodney King beating. He is also struggling to maintain his relationships with his ex-wives and daughters, his mistress, and a lawyer named Linda (Weaver) who is trying to help him through his legal troubles.
As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that Brown has been engaging in questionable and often illegal behavior both on and off duty. He is accused of beating suspects, stealing drugs from crime scenes, and other forms of misconduct. The film explores the personal and professional consequences of Brown's actions, as well as the broader issues of police corruption, racism, and abuse of power.
Harrelson delivers a powerful performance as Brown, capturing both his charisma and his cruelty. He portrays the character as a complex and flawed individual who is both sympathetic and despicable. Foster also shines as Brown's troubled and estranged son, who is struggling to make sense of his father's behavior and his own place in the world.
The film's direction by Moverman is stylish and atmospheric, capturing the gritty and chaotic nature of Los Angeles in the late 1990s. The script, co-written by Moverman and crime novelist James Ellroy, is sharp and incisive, exploring the intersection of institutional corruption and personal dysfunction.
While Rampart is a challenging and uncompromising film that may not be for everyone, it is a compelling and thought-provoking look at a troubled and controversial chapter in the history of the LAPD. It raises important questions about the nature of law enforcement, the role of power and privilege in society, and the difficulty of achieving justice in a system that is often rigged in favor of the powerful.
Overall, Rampart is a powerful and unsettling film that is sure to leave a lasting impression on audiences. It is a bold and uncompromising exploration of the darker aspects of human nature, and a poignant reminder of the complex and often problematic relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Rampart is a 2012 crime movie. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8 and a MetaScore of 70.