Are We Seeing Double?

Never let it be said that Hollywood doesn’t know how to wring a good idea for all its worth. Cinematical reports that not one, but two sequels to the 1997 film L.A. Confidential are currently in the works. Writes Christopher Campbell:

We told you about one of the sequels, an adaptation of James Ellroy’s White Jazz starring George Clooney, back in October. Now, TMZ has word that another film, which won’t be an adaptation of any source, is also being planned. This one will supposedly feature the cast (Russell Crowe and Guy Pearce, specifically) as well as the writer and the director (Brian Helgeland and Curtis Hanson, respectively) of L.A. Confidential and will pick up where that film’s story left off.

After filmmaker Brian De Palma made such a confusing hash of The Black Dahlia last year, audiences might need a break from adaptations of Ellroy’s work. Too bad moviemakers--in their usual anything-for-a-buck style--won’t let us have it. Let’s hope that one or the other of these movie projects can do right by the source material this time.

READ MORE: “White Jazz Director Carnahan Talks About Dueling Ellroy Projects,” by Jeremy Lynch (Crimespree Cinema).