TCFHE Q & A (DVD/Trailer)

This is one of Lumet's most brilliant films, with a serious, honest look at not only the 1980s crime ridden New York when its only rival in corruption and killing was Miami, but it digs deep into the soul of a white cop's bigotry and need to freeze nostalgia for the "old way" of doing things, which had little to do with the law. Nick Nolte, historically a half step behind the $20M "A" list leading role actors, no one can deny that as a supporting actor there are none better. In this film, however, he breaks out to set a precedent, and tops even his classic roles in the two "48 Hours" films. Being a method actor, Nolte gained over 40 lbs and mastered with little effort his New York Irish cop accent. Combined with Nolte's dominating 235lb physique and the most in-your-face, nasty, threatening, bigoted dialogue only Nolte could deliver with such conviction of a loathing hate for everyone and everything, that even the wise guys knew better than to try taking him down. Armand Assante's performance is one of his best as the top independent hood everyone on the dirty side needs to work with and fears; even the mob; but even he won't mess with the Irish cop. The story dwells and pivots on coverups and double-crosses, hiding corruption at the highest levels from decades past, which now threatens to be exposed by Assante if he can't get out, get away and free from it all. The casting is as exceptional as the script, the plot and the acting. Patrick O'Neal, Timothy Hutton, Luis Guzman, Charles Dutton, Paul Calderon, Dominic Chianese, can all be found pasting some of the best crime and drama flicks for over 30 years. Their roles in Q&A are cemented into the characters they play so well that it is hard to imagine any other actor playing their roles; a compliment to not only their abilities as actors, but Lumet's skill at choosing and molding them. Barely breaking out on her own at this point, Lumet's daughter, Nancy, who's become quite the success since in her own right. She plays a compelling, but not so convincing crying scene, when she finally has to explain to her ex-lover (Hutton) why she left him. Nepotism aside, Lumet has a talent for condensing broad story lines of multiple plots into a tight, suspended, near play-like affair, even though the subplots may take the story far and deep before coming back to its simple and often predictable ending. Q&A is one of those underrated, off the radar screen, politically incorrect films that could never get made in today's Hollywood, because the decision makers of today don't have the skill to know art and reality like this when they see it, and would never allow such honesty to jump out from the screen for fear it might contaminate the history rewriting illusion the sell today. Enough said.

The cast of characters is one of the most interesting parts of Q&A. Nick Nolte is a corrupt cop involved in all kinds of dirty deeds. He just exudes sliminess. Timothy Hutton is told to investigate Nolte because he’s a young novice who New York’s leadership believes will just rubber stamp things but he’s got a conscience. Luis Guzzman is always a pleasure to see. He’s a detective with an attitude but also integrity. Armand Assante plays a gangster who looks like Robert De Niro when he played the Devil in Angel Heart. There are more and they are all important in this character driven crime drama about corruption, the police and mobsters. It is one of many that shows the dark side of the police and how the system protects them rather than expose how things really work.

This later effort by Sidney Lumet demonstrates that he did not lose his ability to serve up a cinematic gut punch. Adapting Edwin Torres' novel Lumet posits the idea that the institutional corruption inherent in law enforcement is a microcosm of society as a whole. True heroes or villains are hard to find possibly Lee Richardson's world weary assistant D.A. being an exception. Heck, Armand Assante's drug dealer is one of the more nobler figures here. Brutality, corruption, and bigotry rule the roost. The film's most despicable figure, vicious cop Nick Nolte in another admirable turn, engenders a modicum of sympathy. Survival in this cesspool requires some degree of compromise. If you read this film correctly it isn't entirely an exercise of cynicism. Watch the last shot of the film carefully and there is a suggestion of hope for this cruel unforgiving world. As for the work of the ensemble cast, impeccable. Kudos to Jenny Lumet, the director's daughter, for offering a complex reading of Assante's biracial girlfriend. A possible false note may be Patrick O'Neal being a tad old for the character he was playing but effective nonetheless. When released in 1990 this film was met with a mixed critical and commercial reception. In these politically correct times it may meet a similar fate because of its frankness particularly in its portrayal of gays. Regardless, another feather in Lumet's cap.

another great new York crime film from Sidney lumet . he continues to explore the police corruption that he brilliantly presented in Serpico and prince of the city . best performance of armand Assante's career and one of nick noltes best performances , which is saying a lot . nolte added about 40 lbs for the role , growing a walrus mustache and changing his appearance drastically . subplot deals with transvestite prostitution which was rarely touched on at that time , 1990 . main topic is corruption and the constant looking the other way by nolte's character's superiors while he goes on a murderous coverup . the film got solid reviews when it came out but was a box office disappointment . lumets recent bio and noltes recent auto bio barely mention it . too bad , because for those who like a 70's style crime film it has much to offer .

My tastes do not like my favorite actors being the bad guys so I always watch movies like Q&A and Perfect Murder with a little caution. However, I liked the Death Wish and the Substitute movies because of perceived justice happening. But, when cops tend to get even with all bad guys by getting even with a few I get squemish.However, a 4 star rating means that I will watch it again so it has to be well made, a good story, good acting, and entertaining. Nick Nolte in 48 hours was so good that I have been a fan ever since. So he can do no wrong. No not so. He has been in some crappy movies. One about football comes to mind. This was bittersweet. Is that the term for wanting the good guy to win when he may not?

Hard to find at a decent price. I got this DVD used at a very low price and it was fine. Nick Nolte is menacing in this film and Armand Assante is brilliant . One of their best performances.

Not a Nolte fan but this film is very good.

ok because so many of us are quick to denounce a bad product or a bad experience with a product, let me say I am more than pleased with the quality and service provided by this vendor.The film clarity was good and within the package there was a sincere appeal for fairness and a return policy beyond reproach.I would have no qualms about buying from this supplier in the future.Q & A is a hard hitting, action packed thriller, bordering on the cynical but well worth the time investment.Nick Nolte at his best..

i have been after this movie for a while i first saw it about 20 years ago, prob, nick noltes and timothy huttons best peformances although it didnt get good reviews at the time,but what do critics know? if your looking for a good thriller about corrupt cops this is as good as any, i would suggest this movie to anyone...enjoy

Gets better as the film progresses. I enjoyed watching a story unfold;no CGI,no gimmicks.... A film of its time.

Too weak.Sidney Lumet knows better than this!!!!!