Bad Lieutenant (1992) - 4K Ultra HD Review

      Bad Lieutenant, 1992.

      Directed by Abel Ferrara.

      Starring Harvey Keitel, Victor Argo, Stella Keitel, Peggy Gormley, Leonard L. Thomas.

      SYNOPSIS:

      A corrupt officer in New York investigates the brutal rape of a nun while seeking redemption for his sinful lifestyle. The lead character in this film is so morally compromised that he doesn't even have a name. Such roles are typically taken on by courageous actors willing to push boundaries to deliver iconic performances, and Harvey Keitel excels in this part to such a degree that it's surprising there weren't numerous sequels to exploit it (though we aren’t considering THAT one). Nonetheless, Keitel is an actor of notable integrity, likely making him reluctant to reprise the role repeatedly.

      Bad Lieutenant follows Keitel’s character (referred to simply as 'Lieutenant') as he navigates his daily activities, which include obtaining and using cocaine, excessive drinking to cope with his highs, using heroin with another addict, gambling on baseball games, and paying for sex to fulfill his need for human interaction. Amidst these actions, he also performs some duties as a police officer, and when a nun is violently assaulted by two men, Lieutenant embarks on a personal journey, realizing the nun has forgiven her assailants. Longing for forgiveness for his own transgressions, Lieutenant seeks out the two attackers and decides on what he believes to be a redemptive course of action, aiming to prove he hasn't completely devolved into his criminal surroundings.

      The nature of his actions may catch you off guard, especially considering how despicable and unlikable Lieutenant is, and given that this film is directed by Abel Ferrara, a happy ending is unlikely. Shot in New York as the city was shedding its grimy 1970s/80s image and just before it regained a polished appearance, Bad Lieutenant is challenging to recommend to those seeking a straightforward crime thriller to enjoy casually, as it lacks the refinement of Goodfellas, the grandeur of The Godfather, or the humor and accessibility of The Long Good Friday.

      What it does offer, however, is a peak performance from both director and lead actor, presenting a harrowing and uncomfortable depiction of a man who exists but isn’t truly living—he’s merely surviving—despite having a family that puts up with his lifestyle due to needing a roof over their heads, and colleagues who do not trust or respect him but tolerate his behavior because of his rank. The only individuals who show him any semblance of positive attention are criminals, as he pays them to keep his secrets.

      Yet simply observing his sordid dealings does not make a compelling film; the real essence of the story lies in his quest for redemption—or the effort to search for one. True to Abel Ferrara's style, achieving redemption won't come easily for him, and despite its runtime of just over 90 minutes, Bad Lieutenant unfolds at a deliberate pace.

      There's no need to witness his descent into corruption as it is inherently conveyed through the script, and Keitel portrays the character with such intense grimness that it’s clear he isn’t meant to be liked; even his opening scene, where he drops his children off at school, is laden with unspoken insults and negativity that are apparent through Keitel’s expressions. The nun's rape is portrayed through quick cuts to avoid dwelling on its graphic nature, and surprisingly, this isn’t the focal scene that many directors might have chosen, resulting in a gradual revelation of details that later add significance and impact.

      The film's methodical pacing coupled with its grimy, sordid backdrop contributes to a growing discomfort throughout Bad Lieutenant, which may be regarded as either a positive or a negative depending on the viewer's perspective. However, it is essential to acknowledge that this is not a film meant for casual viewers seeking an easy watch; it demands your full attention for every gritty moment (and even with the 4K UHD image being sharp and detailed, it still presents as a gritty film).

      To cater to film enthusiasts and collectors, 101 Films has ensured that this limited edition 4K/Blu-ray set is filled with new features, including fresh interviews with Abel Ferrara and cinematographer Ken Kelsch, a featurette on Harvey Keitel, and an exploration of Ferrara's career. Additionally, it includes various archival extras from previous releases—such as interviews, a making-of documentary, and an audio commentary featuring both Abel Ferrara and Ken Kelsh. As part of their Black Label range, the set is beautifully packaged with a rigid slipcase and new artwork.

      While not an easy film to digest, that is the intention, and it can be a gratifying experience if bold filmmaking resonates with you as a viewer. The pacing is slow and not always straightforward, as Lieutenant frequently shifts from one unsavory encounter to another with little explanation, but if you persevere, you can witness