Cop Land
Director: James Mangold.
Screenplay: James Mangold.
Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Harvey Keitel, Ray Liotta, Robert DeNiro, Robert Patrick, Peter Berg, Michael Rapaport, Annabella Sciorra, Janeane Garafalo, Noah Emmerich, Cathy Moriarty, John Spencer, Frank Vincent, Malik Yoba, Arthur J. Nascarella, Edie Falco, Paul Calderon, John Doman, Victor Williams, Method Man, Frank Pellegrino, Robert John Burke, John Ventimiglia, Tony Sirico.
“Being right is not a bullet proof vest, Freddy”
The problem with Cop Land, is that it’s full of cops. Well there is that, but in all seriousness, for any fan of the crime genre they will find there are two things that are unavoidable when looking over the cast of the film. One, is legendary director Martin Scorsese and the regulars that feature in his work: There is, of course, DeNiro and Keitel (who need no introduction) but there’s also Liotta (Goodfellas), Cathy Moriarty (Raging Bull) and Frank Vincent who appears in both the latter two (as well as Casino). Vincent also brings me to the other unavoidable thing… the finest television series on the subject; The Sopranos. By my count, there’s no less than ten cast members that are recognisable throughout six seasons and those well versed will notice; Carmela, Paulie, Artie Bucco and Vincent’s Phil Leotardo, among others.
The New Jersey town of Garrison is populated by cops from the NYPD who have set up their own community to live in peace. As intended, it’s a community that doesn’t need policing but still employs local Sheriff, Freddy Heflin (Sylvester Stallone) to oversee things. Freddy always wanted to join the police force but was prevented from doing so because of a childhood accident that left him partially deaf. However, when Ray Donlan (Harvey Keitel) and his corrupt activities begin to surface it brings it to the attention of Internal Affairs Agent Moe Tilden (Robert DeNiro) who may just have the policeman’s job opportunity that Freddy has coveted.
Narratively, the film starts very strongly and draws you into the murky depths of police corruption and cops ruling cops. Director James Mangold also seems to know what he’s doing; he builds the tension slowly and assuredly and introduces his characters with confidence. It’s not long before we realise Keitel is one of the shady one’s and firmly in control of his environment. Stallone also happens to establish himself quickly by playing firmly against type. The whole premise of the film is built around Sly and the, seeming inability, to do the job he’s been designated to. It’s quite a distance from most of his action-hero work while the support of a strung out Liotta and doggedly determined DeNiro bring shape to the whole corrupt debacle.
All of the supporting players are brilliantly placed but it’s, unsurprisingly, the aforementioned four actors that drive the film. Liotta, Keitel and DeNiro deliver the high calibre expected from them but the biggest surprise is Stallone. He’s wise enough to sit back and let the heavyweights chew the scenery while he subtly underplays it and brings a touching vulnerability to his afflicted Sheriff.
With an abundance of talent on display you might ask why Cop Land doesn’t entirely work? Quite simply, it’s a generic and formulaic story. The leads do what they can – and they all get their moment to shine – but the lack of three dimensional characterisation and some redundant plot strands only allow them to go so far. However, despite Mangold’s inability to come up with a solid script, his handling of events and a who’s-who cast are very diligently attuned. It’s also worth noting that the denouement is impressively intense in a High-Noon homage with Mangold, very skilfully, utilising Freddie’s hearing impairment to the utmost effect and manages to turn, what would normally be considered a Hollywood hokum get-out, into a refreshing and satisfying showdown.
Alas, the film is not the sum of it’s parts. It had the potential to be a classic but ends up just another attempt at a genre that so many have covered to better results. That said, it’s hard to argue with the cast and the solid performances but because it’s easy to see the potential this film had, it makes it all the more frustrating that it doesn’t quite achieve it. It’s good, but it could’ve been great. As it goes, the problem with Cop Land is that it’s not full of cops, the problem with Cop Land is that’s it’s full of quality actors working under restrained and clichéd material. 
Mark Walker
Trivia: Sylvester Stallone gained 40 pounds to add realism to his portrayal of the police officer. He also was only paid SAG minimum wages. By the time that reshoots were required, he had lost the weight again.
MARKED MOVIES 
September 29, 2015 at 3:53 pm
Great review, Mark! Never did see this one… Doesn’t sound like I was missing out TOO much. 🙂
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September 29, 2015 at 4:05 pm
It’s by no means a turkey. It has plenty going for it and lots of great scenes with all the actors on very fine form. It’s just frustrating that the script is full of holes. I would still, somewhat, recommend it, though.
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September 29, 2015 at 3:54 pm
Good stuff bro. It’s funny you mention this one. It is a movie I have been meaning to revisit for a while now. From what I remember we see it pretty much the same.
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September 29, 2015 at 4:07 pm
I was the same bro. Always had it in my head to revisit. My opinion of it is still pretty much the same when I first seen it. It’s decent. Plenty of plus points but still a bit frustrating that it doesn’t work as a complete whole.
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September 29, 2015 at 4:32 pm
Great stuff Mark, you always introduce me to movies I’ve never heard of.
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September 29, 2015 at 4:59 pm
You’ve never heard of Cop Land? It was a pretty big deal when it was released. That said, it’s nearly 20 years old. Sometimes I forget that I’m getting on a bit 😉
It’s a decent little film, Vinnie. Flawed but decent!
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September 29, 2015 at 5:34 pm
I’m sure you’re not getting on Mark, you’re still young.
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September 30, 2015 at 9:22 am
Well… I was around 19 or 20 when Cop Land was released. That’s definitely making me feel old 😉
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September 30, 2015 at 9:23 am
Remember Mark, age is just a number.
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September 30, 2015 at 9:25 am
Indeed!… And my number is high! Lol
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September 30, 2015 at 9:27 am
You’ve got a great sense of humour dude.
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September 29, 2015 at 5:08 pm
Nice review here, Mark. I’ve always loved this film. The details are so intricate and finely layered, and the acting is just top notch. Loved your High Noon comparison to its conclusion. Because, man, whatta set piece that is.
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September 29, 2015 at 5:21 pm
Cheers Alex. It certainly has a lot going for it. I wasn’t overly taken with the plot. I found it underdeveloped but I’m absolutely with you on the performances. Everyone was fantastic and that conclusion was very well delivered. Normally I’m not a fan of movies ending this way but Mangold put a fresh spin on it and it was very effective indeed.
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September 29, 2015 at 5:38 pm
Good stuff Mark. I think you’re spot on with this…many of the ingredients are there for a classic but something’s missing, and although I remember enjoying it at the time it really hasn’t stayed with me. Great cast though, amazed by all the names you listed. I saw The Sopranos afterwards, like most other people, and had no idea so many cast members were also in this.
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September 30, 2015 at 9:24 am
Yeah, I remember liking it when I seen it the cinema, Stu, but it left me with feelings of it being a missed opportunity. It’s a decent flick but it could have been more. I still have the same feelings now as I did then.
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September 30, 2015 at 11:30 pm
This is not necessarily the kind of movie that grabs me,a nd I have a natural repellent to Sly, but you make this one sound worth checking out, so maybe I will. I’m fairly sure Sean’s seen it. He’s totally the type!
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October 1, 2015 at 9:16 am
I normally have an aversion to Sly too (with the exception of Rocky. I love Rocky). That said, he’s actually quite good here. He plays against type and it works. He more than holds his own, especially with the likes of DeNiro, Liotta and Keitel around. It’s a decent flick. Worth some attention! Cheers Jay!
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October 1, 2015 at 6:13 pm
Wow, that’s a pretty exceptional cast. It’s a shame the screenplay doesn’t quite match up. I’ll need to keep an eye out for this. Great work Mark!
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October 3, 2015 at 1:48 pm
Cheers mate! It a worthwhile flick and the cast are just sublime as expected but, yeah, the script could have been tighter. Saying that, it’s still decent entertainment!
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October 4, 2015 at 5:41 pm
I recall getting very excited at the thought of seeing this when it came out due to the incredible cast, but was a little underwhelmed when I finally caught up with it. Never seen it a second time. Probably should though.
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October 4, 2015 at 11:42 pm
It didn’t live up to my expectations either, man. Still, it’s a decent flick that has some moments of greatness. It’s just a shame that it couldn’t capitalise on its very fine lineup. Despite the premise being a good one, the script had far too many holes in it. I’d wager if you seen it again, you’d probably still feel the same way you did.
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October 5, 2015 at 8:18 pm
Nice, you can put me down as another who has never heard of this (somehow). I think I’ll give it a shot, this cast is too good to ignore.
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October 5, 2015 at 8:55 pm
This is actually just another DeNiro film that I made up 😉
Jesting aside, it’s worth a look. The can’t are fantastic but unfortunately they’re let down but a colour by numbers script. Still has great moments, though.
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October 5, 2015 at 11:37 pm
Ah, yeah that sounds about right. Another Mark Walker delusion. Hahah!
Definitely would be willing to check this out, flaws and all. Now, where to find it is the question. . .
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October 6, 2015 at 4:46 pm
love this film. too bad more people dont know it. Great cast and despite some blatant holes, it essential works well.
Nice review Mark!
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October 7, 2015 at 7:28 am
Cheers Rob! It actually surprises me that more people hadn’t heard of this. How can a film with this cast slip under people’s radar?
I’m with you, though. There are blatant holes but still some good stuff going here.
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October 20, 2015 at 4:19 pm
I still marvel at the cast in this one.
I get your concerns and think there’s moments where Cop Land could have gone from been very good to great but it still works for me. One of the best of the decade in my opinion.
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October 22, 2015 at 8:22 am
I did find flaws in the narrative, Dan, but overall it was still a good flick. And that cast is just sublime. Thanks for stopping by buddy. 🙂
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