Watch Bad Lieutenant

Bad Lieutenant is a 1992 crime drama film directed by Abel Ferrara and starring Harvey Keitel as the titular character. Set in New York City, the film follows the story of a corrupt and drug-addicted NYPD lieutenant, who is investigating the rape of a young nun. The film explores themes of addiction, redemption, and morality as the lieutenant becomes increasingly entangled in his own vices while trying to solve the case.

The movie begins with a gruesome scene involving a car accident. The lieutenant, whose name is never revealed, emerges from the car, snorts cocaine, engages in a depraved sexual act, and then returns to his job as a high-ranking member of the NYPD. At this point, it becomes clear that the lieutenant is a deeply flawed character who is deeply immersed in the criminal underworld of the city.

Shortly after the accident scene, the lieutenant is assigned to investigate the brutal rape of a nun in a church. As he delves deeper into the case, he becomes increasingly obsessed with finding the perpetrator, often resorting to brutal and illegal tactics to get the information he needs. Throughout the investigation, the lieutenant's addictions to drugs, alcohol, and sex continue to consume him, and he becomes increasingly erratic and unstable.

Despite his growing addiction and moral decay, the lieutenant remains a compelling character. He is portrayed as a deeply conflicted individual who is torn between his desire for redemption and his addiction to vice. This internal struggle is highlighted in a scene where the lieutenant confesses his sins to a priest, only to turn around and engage in drugs and sexual activity once again.

Throughout the film, Harvey Keitel delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as the titular character. He is able to convey the complex emotions of the lieutenant, from his intense anger and aggression to his moments of vulnerability and sorrow. Keitel's portrayal of the lieutenant is one of the highlights of the movie and is essential to its success.

In addition to Keitel's performance, the film is also noteworthy for its gritty and realistic portrayal of New York City in the early 1990s. The city is depicted as a place of darkness and decay, with the lieutenant's investigation taking him through seedy bars, drug dens, and back alleys. This creates an intense and claustrophobic atmosphere that adds to the tension of the film.

Overall, Bad Lieutenant is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the dark underbelly of New York City and the human psyche. It is a brutal and compelling drama that is not for the faint of heart, but it is also a film that is deeply rewarding for those who are willing to confront its challenging themes. If you are a fan of crime dramas or are interested in exploring the darker aspects of the human condition, then Bad Lieutenant is a film that is not to be missed.

Bad Lieutenant is a 1992 crime movie. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 70.