What Makes an Alternative Holiday Movie?
The other day, a colleague asked me, "What’s your all-time favorite movie?” I mean, how do you even begin to answer that? Movies hit differently depending on your mood, the vibe, or even what side of the bed you woke up on. It’s not like choosing a favorite cuisine, which is easy—I’m a sucker for Mexican. But a specific dish? Forget it. Some days it’s a fish taco; others, it’s molcajetes or both if I feel ambitious.
Without thinking, I blurted out Back to the Future! Solid choice, right? It’s fun, it’s timeless, and it’s got "a time machine... made out of a DeLorean." But now that it’s the holiday season, I’m realizing I could’ve gone with something that has a bit more seasonal flair—or at least something a little unexpected. Forget the usual holiday classics. Looking back, L.A. Confidential feels like the perfect wildcard choice. Because, really, nothing says Christmas like noir, betrayal, and a whole lot of shady dealings in 1950s Los Angeles.
How L.A. Confidential Reinvents the Holiday Film Genre
When we think of holiday films, we tend to picture snow-covered streets, cozy family dinners, and heartwarming tales of redemption. But what if the holidays aren’t just about the cheer, but also the contrast—a stark reminder of what we value most when we see it missing? That’s where L.A. Confidential (1997) comes in. Curtis Hanson’s neo-noir masterpiece offers a dark, subversive take on morality, justice, and redemption, all set against the glimmering tinsel and deep shadows of 1950s L.A.
While it’s not your traditional holiday flick, L.A. Confidential does kick off during Christmas, using the season’s shiny, cheerful façade to highlight the gritty struggles of its characters. It’s the perfect alternative holiday movie—less “goodwill toward men” and more “watch out for the guy with a grudge.” Sometimes, a little edge is all you need to make the holidays interesting.
Setting the Scene: Christmas in 1950s Los Angeles
The film’s opening sequence is set against the backdrop of the holiday season, but instead of joy and unity, we’re thrust into the chaos of "Bloody Christmas," a real-life scandal where LAPD officers brutally assault prisoners during a drunken brawl on Christmas Eve. The scene immediately shatters any illusion of seasonal harmony, exposing the moral decay and systemic corruption beneath the city’s glittering façade.
The Stark Irony of "Bloody Christmas"
This stark irony sets the tone for the film’s narrative: the tension between surface-level appearances and the darker truths they conceal. In a way, it’s a reminder of the importance of integrity and accountability—values that align with the holiday spirit but are painfully absent in the world of L.A. Confidential.
Themes of Redemption and Morality in L.A. Confidential
Despite its cynicism, L.A. Confidential offers glimmers of hope through its central characters, each grappling with their flaws and seeking redemption in their ways:
Bud White’s Transformation
Known for his violent tendencies, White transforms into a protector, showing vulnerability and compassion, particularly in his relationship with Lynn Bracken
Ed Exley and the Pursuit of Justice
Initially an ambitious officer willing to manipulate others to climb the ranks, Exley’s journey is one of self-realization. By the film’s end, he learns to balance his rigid sense of morality with the messy realities of justice.
These arcs echo the holiday theme of personal transformation. They remind us that redemption isn’t about perfection but striving to improve, even in the face of overwhelming darkness.
Family and Connection in Unlikely Places
The holidays often emphasize the importance of family, both biological and chosen. While L.A. Confidential doesn’t feature traditional family dynamics, it explores the idea of forging connections amidst adversity. The relationship between Exley, White, and Bracken evolves from distrust and manipulation to mutual respect and solidarity.
In the end, the trio’s alliance—however fragile—symbolizes the possibility of unity and understanding. It’s a reminder that, even in fractured circumstances, the bonds we build can guide us toward a better future.
Why Watch L.A. Confidential This Holiday Season?
Sure, L.A. Confidential isn’t your typical holiday movie. There are no miracles, no heartfelt family reunions, and certainly no one learning the true meaning of Christmas. Instead, it’s packed with resilience, redemption, and the gritty pursuit of justice. And honestly, isn’t that a pretty solid reflection of the season’s deeper values—just with fewer jingling bells and more shady deals in 1950s Los Angeles?
So, as you settle in for your holiday movie marathon, consider swapping the usual sugar-coated classics for this neo-noir gem. It might not leave you with warm, fuzzy feelings, but it’ll definitely make you think—and maybe even appreciate the quieter, less complicated moments of the holidays. Plus, it pairs surprisingly well with eggnog.
And hey, if all else fails, you can always fall back on Die Hard. Because when it comes to festive spirit, you really can’t beat Bruce Willis saving Christmas.
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