Using minimal score, harsh lighting, and voyeuristic camera angles, Rampart tells the story of an aggressive, chauvinistic Los Angeles police officer in 1999. Set during the days when the Los Angeles Police Department’s Rampart division was under heavy investigation for police brutality, Rampart chooses to focus on just one cop- Dave Brown played by Woody Harrelson.
Harrelson gives a powerful portrayal of a deeply disturbed, dysfunctional man, but the tragedy of his character is that he does not seem to realize the fiasco of his life as much as the audience. With a propensity for random one-night stands, an unfortunately nickname of “Date Rape Dave”, and fathering two daughters by two different sisters, Brown’s character is a hard one to empathize.
The supporting cast is stellar and the screen time given to the police department ensemble including Sigourney Weaver, Steve Buscemi, and Ice Cube is too brief. More exploration into the downward spiral of the LA Rampart division feels like an unfulfilled promise. The promotion for the film bills Brown as “the most corrupt cop you’ve ever seen onscreen,” but the corruption is mostly focused on his personal life.
Anne Heche, Cynthia Nixon, and Robin Wright tackle the difficult roles of the main women in Brown’s life, but even their characters are not given enough exploration, especially as to why two sisters would live, fall in love, and birth children by the same man.Although the hook of the story falls short by the end, there is no denying Harrelson’s ability to carry a strong, challenging role and with a stronger evolved storyline this ensemble could’ve knocked it out of the park.
Rampart is now playing at UA Tara Cinemas. Check listings for showtimes.
Kim Burdges
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