COP LAND 1997
A film review by Timothy Voon
Copyright 1998 Timothy Voon
2 :-) :-) for the Sheriff of Garrrison
I like a man who isn't afraid to show his weight, look scruffy and worn down by the ills of society. He walks about with a dogged look on his face, at first blindly obeying his master's dodgy whims, turning a deaf ear to the suspicious cries of organised crime. It would appear that this sheriff who would be a cop, has been beaten into submission by the forces above him, until that something timely snaps within. This is a man who isn't ‘macho' or even an ‘action hero', but an ordinary man trying to find meaning in his upside down world where nothing is as it seems. I like this new Sylvester Stallone in his apparently first non-egotistical role.
Following in the same vein as LA CONFIDENTIAL, COP LAND discusses all the wonderful issues about corrupt police officers - the people who society despises most. Headed by Harvey Keitel, this Mob/Cop syndicate has made a safe haven for itself in a small town outside NY. In this white washed community cops live peacefully side by side, but beneath the calm exterior fury boils as they sleep with each others wives, quibble amongst themselves and even kill their own when their community is threatened. So the joy of the story arises from good eventually prevailing over evil, and the once beaten Sheriff (Stallone) awakening to his better self. Where like a faithful wounded dog, he'll keep coming at you right till the very end.
The star studded cast is almost too numerous to mention, but there are fine performances from Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Annabella Sciorra, Janeane Garofalo who play the other major leads. It almost seems like a family reunion for American Italian actors come to make a spaghetti meatball picture. Not as good or heartfelt as LA CONFIDENTIAL, but still a movie which is worth an honourable mention. Worthwhile viewing overall.
Timothy Voon e-mail: stirling@netlink.com.au
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