"Rampart" (2011)

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"Rampart" (2011) Review

Rampart is, for what it's worth, on of the best written, engaging, and fascinating films written in recent years, yet had the deplorable aftertaste of a vile and sickening protagonist.

The film, taking place in the late nineties in a modern film noir LA, carries with it a tension that is not resolved even at the end of the film. Following officer David Douglas Brown, the film recounts the end of his career (perhaps). This comes as Brown (Woody Harrelson), whom his daughter describes as a, "dinosaur... classic racist, a bigot, a sexist, a womanizer, a chauvinist, a misanthrope, homophobic..." who becomes wrapped up in a series of scandals which result in his demise. In addition to this, Brown faces the end of his marriage which appears from the film's set up to be to two sisters (though apparently he is only married to one hex sill sleeps with the other too).

This makes for a great story, yet ultimately, Brown is such a vile character that the normal sympathy I, as a viewer, would feel for him, is lost into the ethos of Brown's self-destructive and creepy personality. Harrelson has an amazing performance with line delivery and cadence that send shivers through the spine, yet the film is still difficult to watch. Even with cameos form Sigourney Weaver, Steve Buscemi, Ben Foster, and Ice Cube (his finest acting sine "Are we There Yet?") who provide interesting side shows and ultimately characters adding to the complex mosaic of Brown's life.

This film, however presents a story arc, cinematographic style, and editing techniques who h challenge any conventional film creating a film so different it was as if seeing color in the movies for the first time.

So is this a good movie? Yes, but it is still hard to watch as it tastes of bile. Though many critics give it accolades, I would be more hesitant in my praise calling it a good film, yet without good people, making the film ultimately distant and detached.

Stars: 4.5/5