The Nice Guys

The Nice Guys

Directed by Shane Black

This film stars Russell Crowe (Healy) and Ryan Gosling (March) as a hired strong man and private detective (respectively). The two work together to investigate the deaths of a porn star and her associates as well as a possible cover up of political corruption. In doing so, their own lives are threatened; the more they uncover, the higher the body count. The film is set in 1977 Los Angeles during the energy crisis. In all its seriousness, the film maintains a comedic element as the two protagonists (who start off as bitter enemies) grow closer together and develop a professional relationship.

1. Chiaroscuro for black and white films, intense or muted color in movies filmed in color.

Yes – Some scenes have muted color set against a black background particularly when Healy has a moment of introspective thought.

2. Flashbacks

Yes – There were a few scenes delving into a Healy’s past.

3. Unusual narration

Yes – March has a rather bizarre dream sequence.

4. Crime/planning a crime (usually—but not always—murder)

Yes – We have murder, pornography, revenge, and political gain.

5. Femme fatale and/or homme fatale

Yes – I would say there are 3 femme fatales were double crossing is apparent and one homme fatale who is the threat.

6. The instrument of fate

Yes – The reel of pornographic film.

7. Angst (for example, guilt, fear, self-doubt, confusion, and so on; in other words, anything that contributes to angst)

Yes – Especially from the daughter of a U.S. Justice.

8. Violence or the threat of violence

Yes – there is a mounting body count as well as severe injury.

9. Urban and nighttime settings

Yes – many nighttime scenes with the setting 1977 Los Angeles.

10. Allusion to post–World War II (or any postwar) themes (optional)

Maybe – March often makes references to Hitler when criticizing others’ behavior that he finds inappropriate. This is also post-Vietnam War and the energy crisis that has some correlation to the political theme in this film.

11. Philosophical themes (existentialism in particular) involving alienation, loneliness

Yes – The loss of March’s wife and his daughter’s constant criticism of his work. March's daughter also is the moral compass for both him and Healy. For Healy, there seems to be some self-doubt.

12. Psychology (hypnosis, brainwashing, manipulation, amnesia)

Yes – manipulation particularly Basinger’s character as well as her minion who double crosses March and Healy

13. Greed

Always – we have the auto industry in cahoots with the U.S. Justice Dept. for a massive cover-up. March is also a bit sleazy on how he milks his clients for more money.

14. Betrayal

Yes – Lots of double crossing.

15. No stark contrast between “good” and “evil” (characters, forces, emotion, and so on)

Yes – March tends to waver between good and bad (not so much evil). The character of Amelia is also dichotomous (as well as extremely annoying). Healy is a hired strong arm but again more good and bad and less evil.

16. Expertise triumphs, perhaps rather than “good”

Yes – It’s March's expertise that triumphs with some rather questionable ethics in getting to the truth of the matter.