City of Lies is a crime thriller directed by Brad Furman, based on the non-fiction book Labyrinth by Randall Sullivan. The film stars Johnny Depp as Russell Poole, a retired LAPD detective, and Forest Whitaker as Jack Jackson, a journalist. It delves into the investigations surrounding the murders of iconic rappers Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. (Christopher Wallace) in the 1990s, while exploring corruption and conspiracy within the LAPD.
Plot Summary
The Setup
The story begins with journalist Jack Jackson seeking answers for a piece on the unsolved murder of The Notorious B.I.G., years after the case went cold. Jackson reaches out to Russell Poole, a former detective who dedicated much of his career to uncovering the truth about Biggie’s murder and its potential connections to the LAPD.
Russell Poole’s Investigation
Through flashbacks, the movie unpacks Poole’s initial involvement in the case. Poole suspects that the murder of Biggie was not just a random act of violence but a targeted assassination involving corrupt LAPD officers. These officers are tied to Death Row Records, the music label associated with Tupac Shakur and Suge Knight. Poole discovers links between rogue officers and gang activity, particularly around the night Biggie was killed.
Jack’s Quest for Justice
As Jackson interviews Poole, he uncovers the toll the investigation has taken on the detective’s personal life. Poole’s relentless pursuit of justice led to professional isolation and ruined relationships. Together, they revisit key evidence, including Poole’s belief that certain LAPD officers acted under the influence of Suge Knight and were complicit in Biggie’s murder to protect Death Row Records’ interests.
The Web of Corruption
The deeper they dive, the more complex the conspiracy becomes. The film highlights the systemic corruption within the LAPD and how institutional barriers obstructed the case. Poole’s theories, initially dismissed as baseless, gain credibility through evidence of cover-ups and deliberate misdirection by higher-ups.
The Unresolved Mystery
Despite their efforts, Poole and Jackson face insurmountable obstacles. The lack of definitive proof and the continued influence of powerful figures mean the truth remains elusive. The movie concludes with an air of frustration and tragedy, reflecting the real-world status of the cases, which remain unsolved.
Review
Corruption and Power: The movie underscores how corruption in law enforcement can derail justice and exploit the vulnerable.
Obsession with Truth: Poole’s dogged pursuit of the truth showcases the emotional and personal cost of seeking justice.
Systemic Racism and Injustice: The film touches on how biases and systemic issues contribute to unsolved crimes, especially those involving prominent Black figures.
Johnny Depp delivers a compelling performance as the tormented detective, capturing Poole’s disillusionment and determination. Forest Whitaker brings depth to Jackson, portraying him as a man who evolves from a skeptical journalist to an ally in Poole’s quest for truth.
City of Lies received mixed reviews, with praise for its performances and critique of systemic corruption but criticism for its pacing and narrative focus. Nevertheless, it remains a thought-provoking exploration of two of the most infamous unsolved murders in modern history.
The Ending Explained
The ending of City of Lies is intentionally unresolved, reflecting the real-world status of the murders of Tupac and Biggie. Despite Poole and Jackson’s efforts, they cannot definitively prove their theories due to lack of hard evidence and institutional resistance.
- Poole’s Legacy: The film honors Poole’s relentless pursuit of the truth, even if it cost him everything. His work raises awareness about the systemic issues that obstruct justice.
- A Frustrating Reality: The film’s conclusion serves as a commentary on how powerful institutions can suppress inconvenient truths, leaving the public with unanswered questions.
Symbolism
Poole’s Decline: His descent into isolation symbolizes the cost of fighting against a corrupt system.
The LAPD: Represents institutional resistance to change and accountability, prioritizing its image over justice.
Biggie and Tupac: Icons of a cultural era, their unresolved murders symbolize the failure of justice for marginalized communities.
Who are Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G.?
Tupac Shakur and Christopher Wallace, better known as The Notorious B.I.G., were two of the most influential and iconic figures in hip-hop history. Their untimely deaths remain two of the most infamous unsolved murders in modern music history, intertwined with the East Coast vs. West Coast rap rivalry of the 1990s.
Tupac Shakur (2Pac)
- Full Name: Lesane Parish Crooks (later renamed Tupac Amaru Shakur)
- Born: June 16, 1971, in East Harlem, New York
- Died: September 13, 1996, in Las Vegas, Nevada
Career and Impact
- Tupac was a multi-faceted artist: a rapper, actor, poet, and activist.
- Known for his introspective and socially conscious lyrics, Tupac’s music tackled issues such as systemic racism, police brutality, poverty, and violence in urban America.
- His albums, including All Eyez on Me and Me Against the World, are considered hip-hop classics.
- Tupac’s charisma and bold personality made him a global cultural icon, transcending the world of music.
Death
- Tupac was shot multiple times in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas on September 7, 1996, after attending a boxing match.
- He succumbed to his injuries six days later.
- His murder remains unsolved, with many theories pointing to gang retaliation or rivalries within the music industry.
The Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie Smalls)
- Full Name: Christopher George Latore Wallace
- Born: May 21, 1972, in Brooklyn, New York
- Died: March 9, 1997, in Los Angeles, California
Career and Impact
- Biggie was celebrated for his smooth flow, vivid storytelling, and wit, which he used to narrate the realities of life in Brooklyn.
- His debut album, Ready to Die, and posthumous release, Life After Death, are considered benchmarks in hip-hop history.
- Known for hits like “Juicy,” “Big Poppa,” and “Hypnotize,” Biggie became one of the defining voices of East Coast rap.
- Biggie’s larger-than-life personality and rivalry with Tupac amplified his fame.
Death
- Biggie was killed in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles after leaving a music industry party.
- Like Tupac’s murder, his death remains unsolved, though many believe it was tied to the East Coast-West Coast feud or retaliatory violence.
The East Coast vs. West Coast Feud
The rivalry between Tupac and Biggie epitomized a broader feud between East Coast and West Coast rap cultures:
- East Coast: Represented by Biggie, Sean “Diddy” Combs (Bad Boy Records), and other New York-based artists.
- West Coast: Led by Tupac, Suge Knight (Death Row Records), and the Los Angeles rap scene.
- The media heavily sensationalized this conflict, escalating tensions between the two camps.
Key Incidents
- Tupac accused Biggie and Diddy of being complicit in a 1994 robbery and shooting that left Tupac injured, further inflaming tensions.
- Diss tracks like Tupac’s “Hit ’Em Up” directly targeted Biggie and Bad Boy Records.
- Their feud became emblematic of a dangerous era in hip-hop, marked by violent altercations and gang affiliations.
