Review of Cop Land (1997) by Conjay W — 14 Jul 2008
James Mangold's urban western (narratively speaking). The script is a loaded, burly crime drama with characters and mystery that are undoubtably reminiscent of the western genre. Cop Land is tightly structured around each characters dark exposition, which directly effects their motives, thus directly effecting the plot.
The multiple facets of the police in New York are wonderfully incorporated in the complexity of the ulterior concept: a town of lawmen sustained by crime. And at the epicenter, the sheriff. Stallone plays a fantastic leading character, heavy with despair and tortured by complacancy.
He is supported by an anarchic Ray Liotta and opposed by the criminal/cop kingpin Harvey Kietel, who is as detestable and mean as ever. DeNiro, huge and loud and repetitive, plays the prodding finger of justice, and Michael Rappaport is perfect as the unfortunate inciting incident of a mighty struggle.
The drama weaves around and stacks and intensifies all the way up to an unholy, redemptive, O.K. Corral climax. One of my favorites, a must see.
This review of Cop Land (1997) was written by Conjay W on 14 Jul 2008.
Cop Land has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
