Rampart (15) Now on DVD & Blu-Ray

Rampart film review by Jack Flahavan

Note: The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of RetoxMagazine.com

Film Review: Rampart (15), Now on DVD & Blu-Ray

Rampart, Directed by Oren Moverman

"I’m not a racist, I hate all people equally." These are the words of renegade police officer Dave Brown (Woody Harrelson), one of the last few dinosaurs remaining in the L.A.P.D. Set in 1999, on the cusp of a new century, 'Rampart' is a reflection on political skulduggery in a police department eager to shed its controversial image in an ever-changing American society. Dave is one of the last survivors of the old school, a heavy-handed, no holds barred retainer of the law who hands out rough justice on a whim. Now a veteran, Dave believes himself to be untouchable, that is, until he’s caught on camera brutally beating a black man within an inch of his life. Once the incident has made national news, Dave is offered an easy way out by his superiors, an early retirement accompanied with a comfortable severance cheque. But the bull-headed protagonist refuses, catalysing a swift and violent downward spiral.

Well renowned for his portrayal of violent characters ('Natural Born Killers'), Harrelson is electric in the leading role, and is supported cogently by a cast that includes Sigourney Weaver ( 'Alien'), Steve Buscemi ('Reservoir Dogs'), and rapper-turned-actor, Ice Cube ('Boyz N’ the Hood') . For a film of genuine quality and an arresting narrative, I find it hard to believe how 'Rampart' slipped under the radar upon its initial release in Great Britain, evading the attention of myself included. One of my main gripes with recent films is the significant lack of a commanding leading man, so it was a breath of fresh air to watch Harrelson rampage through each scene with an impressive ownership. It’s been a while since I have seen him take centre stage in a film worthy of real merit, and if the film’s application for registry at this year’s Oscars had not been late, he surely would have been in contention to pick up the award for Best Actor. The fact is, talented actors make for an interesting movie and they have the power to carry a story even it is slightly lacklustre, but 'Rampart' fires on all cylinders.

My only reservation with this film is that it could have covered some more of Dave Brown’s back-story so the audience could gain some understanding of his reckless behaviour, but perhaps that’s just selfishness on my part, being an enthusiast of character-acting. Gluttony aside, I sincerely recommend this film to anyone, from the ages of fifteen and above of course, and if you enjoy a films of palpable intensity that leave a mark well after the credits have finished, then 'Rampart' will not disappoint.