City of Lies – Unraveling a City’s Secrets
City of Lies, directed by Brad Furman and based on Randall Sullivan’s nonfiction book LAbyrinth, is a gritty crime drama exploring the unsolved murder of rapper The Notorious B.I.G. The film stars Johnny Depp as retired LAPD detective Russell Poole and Forest Whitaker as journalist Jack Jackson, both obsessed with uncovering the truth behind Biggie’s death and its alleged ties to Tupac Shakur’s earlier murder. Set against the backdrop of late 1990s Los Angeles, the movie plunges into a complex web of police corruption, gang affiliations, and institutional silence.
The story unfolds through a series of flashbacks, as Poole recounts his years-long investigation to Jackson, who initially approaches the case for a story but is soon pulled deeper into the detective’s dark journey. Poole’s original case begins with the killing of a Black off-duty police officer by a white colleague—an event that sets off a trail of discoveries leading to Death Row Records, corrupt officers, and possible collusion in Biggie’s murder. As Poole pushes further, he’s repeatedly blocked by the LAPD, ultimately forced into early retirement without answers.
Johnny Depp delivers one of his most restrained and emotionally grounded performances in recent years. His portrayal of Poole captures the internal decay of a man burdened by secrets and the weight of unfinished justice. Forest Whitaker brings subtlety and gravitas to Jackson, portraying a journalist caught between skepticism and belief as he confronts hard truths about the system.
Visually, the film embraces a gritty, shadowy aesthetic that mirrors the murky realities of its narrative. The Los Angeles setting feels appropriately haunted—decay, silence, and tension are everywhere. Brad Furman’s direction is methodical, favoring mood and dialogue over fast-paced action. However, this choice comes with trade-offs. Critics have noted that the film’s structure sometimes drags, bogged down by exposition and an overly fragmented timeline.
Thematically, City of Lies tackles corruption, institutional racism, and the failure of justice. It suggests that powerful forces within the LAPD may have played a role in hiding the truth, or even in the crime itself. This exploration of systemic failure resonates with modern audiences, though the film stops short of providing any conclusive answers—mirroring the real-life status of the cases it examines.
Originally set for release in 2018, the film was delayed several years, partly due to legal controversies surrounding Depp. It eventually premiered in 2021 to mixed critical reception. While many praised its performances and the compelling nature of its real-world subject, others criticized the film’s uneven pacing and lack of narrative payoff.
In the end, City of Lies is more of a meditative procedural than a traditional thriller. It focuses less on solving a mystery and more on the cost of seeking the truth in a world that resists accountability. For viewers intrigued by true crime, the hip-hop industry, or stories of institutional failure, this film offers a somber, thought-provoking experience. It doesn’t deliver clear answers—but it leaves a lasting impression of a city built on secrets and silences.
