Allegory: Social Allegory
L.A. Confidential is a social allegory that takes on racism, the media, sexuality, masculinity, the evils of cynicism, and ultimately, the human condition.
Motif: Broken Light Beams through Venetian Blinds
Quite often in the film, audiences see broken light beams through venetian blinds. This makes the film’s tone more mysterious and noir-like.
Motif: The Main Theme
The main theme of L.A. Confidential is a motif throughout the film which underscores the mysterious atmosphere of the film.
Symbol: Los Angeles Police Cars
The L.A. Police Cars are symbolic not only of the era, but the tremendous strength and power of the police
Symbol: Guns
The guns that are prominently featured in the film are symbolic of the tremendous violence and hardship many police officers had to deal with in their life.
