Watch Brown's Requiem

Brown's Requiem is a crime noir thriller directed by Jason Freeland and released in 1998. Based on the novel of the same name by James Ellroy, the movie stars Michael Rooker as Fritz Brown, a former LAPD officer turned down-on-his-luck private investigator. The story takes place in Los Angeles in the early 1990s, during a time of social turmoil and political tension. Brown is a hard-drinking, chain-smoking loner who has lost his wife and daughter to a tragic accident and his job to an act of betrayal. He lives in a rundown apartment and scrapes by on odd jobs, until he is approached by a shady lawyer, Catherine Knowles (Selma Archerd).

Knowles wants Brown to find a young woman, Jane (Brigitte Bako), who has disappeared after inheriting a large sum of money from her wealthy father. Brown takes the case, thinking it will be an easy way to make some cash. But as he delves deeper into the investigation, he discovers a web of deceit and corruption that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear.

Along the way, Brown encounters a colorful cast of characters, including a hard-nosed police detective, Bradley (Big Daddy Wayne), who suspects him of murder; a sleazy journalist, Pratt (Kevin Corrigan), who offers him a deal that he can't refuse; and a washed-up actress, Geraldine (Julie Carmen), who becomes his unlikely ally.

As the plot unfolds, Brown is forced to confront his own demons and face the consequences of his past mistakes. He must use all his wits and experience to stay one step ahead of his enemies, and to protect his fragile new relationship with Jane.

The movie is a gritty and atmospheric portrayal of Los Angeles in the 1990s, and it captures the essence of James Ellroy's hard-boiled prose. The cinematography by Jeffrey Seckendorf is dark and moody, with plenty of shadows and neon lights. The score by Anthony Marinelli and Brian Banks is evocative and haunting, with a jazzy noir feel.

Michael Rooker delivers a strong performance as Fritz Brown, bringing both toughness and vulnerability to the role. He embodies the classic noir detective archetype, with his fedora, trenchcoat, and world-weary attitude. He is supported by a talented cast of character actors, including Big Daddy Wayne, Jack Wallace, and Will Sasso.

Overall, Brown's Requiem is a solid crime thriller that will appeal to fans of the genre. It is a faithful adaptation of James Ellroy's novel, and it captures the essence of his noir sensibility. The movie offers a bleak and uncompromising view of the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles, and it is a testament to the enduring appeal of hard-boiled detective fiction.

Brown's Requiem is a 1998 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.