Cast
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Harrison Ford
as Sgt. Joe Gavilan
Josh Hartnett
as Det. K.C. Calden
Lena Olin
as Ruby
Bruce Greenwood
as Lt. Bennie Macko
Isaiah Washington
as Antoine Sartain
Lolita Davidovich
as Cleo Ricard
Keith David
as Leon
Dwight Yoakam
as Leroy Wasley
Martin Landau
as Jerry Duran
Lou Diamond Phillips
as Wanda
Gladys Knight
as Olivia Robidoux
James MacDonald
as Danny Broome
Alan Dale
as Commander Preston
Regina Russell Banali
as Sartain Receptionist
Meredith Scott Lynn
as I.A. Detective Jackson
Crew
Director
- Ron Shelton
Producer
- Ron Shelton
- Lou Pitt
Reviews
John Chard
We've been partners for what, four months, and now you wanna be my shrink?
Ultimately you have to think that those who have wanted to see Hollywood Homicide would have done so by now, certainly fans of the generational divided lead actors (Josh Hartnett and Harrison Ford) would have long since tuned in to see what it's like. It's fair to say that its reputation is most divisive, with some critics proving to be most ferocious in their summations. Personally I find it to be an enjoyable spin on the buddy buddy cop formula, where director Ron Shelton isn't afraid to put emphasis on characters instead of just filling out the pic with high octane bangs and crashes. The wry portrayal of the police system in a bustling Los Angeles is nicely etched into the froth, with the sidebar of coppers having two jobs being a deft poke in the ribs.
Good fun with well crafted action scenes, but the main strength is in the writing and to see once again that Ford has been very undervalued as a comedy actor of the years. 6.5/10
Jun 2, 2014
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Adventure/Comedy/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Hollywood Homicide distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Ron Shelton brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2003, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Hollywood Homicide took approximately 9 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $75.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 116 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 139 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 182 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The film contains approximately 1994 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2003, when this film is released:
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Hollywood Homicide shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Evaru, which focuses more on action than character development, Hollywood Homicide subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Highlander II: The Quickening and Highlander III: The Sorcerer explore similar territory, Hollywood Homicide stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 9, 2003
- Runtime: 1h 56m
- Budget: $75,000,000
- Revenue: $51,142,659
Where to Watch
