"Everything is suspect... Everyone is for sale... And nothing is what it seems."
L.A. Confidential - Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
Rollo Tomasi.
— Ed Exley / Jack Vincennes
Context:
Whispered by Jack with his dying breath to the killer, who then unknowingly repeats it to Exley.
Meaning:
This is the film's most critical plot device. It signifies the idea of the man who gets away with it, and it ultimately exposes the villain through a moment of shared, secret knowledge.
Off the record, on the QT, and very hush-hush.
— Sid Hudgens
Context:
Repeated throughout the film as the opening narration and the slogan of Hush-Hush magazine.
Meaning:
Captures the voyeuristic, tabloid-driven culture of the 1950s where secrets were the most valuable currency.
Some men get the world. Others get an ex-hooker and a trip to Arizona.
— Lynn Bracken
Context:
Said to Exley at the very end, highlighting the contrast between his political ascent and Bud's quiet retirement.
Meaning:
A cynical summary of the film's resolution, acknowledging the different types of "victories" the characters achieve.
Go to work, Bud.
— Dudley Smith
Context:
Used by Dudley to unleash Bud's violence against suspects.
Meaning:
A dehumanizing command that frames Bud White as a tool rather than a person.