"Devil in a Blue Dress" is a neo-noir directed starring Denzel Washington, Jennifer Beals, and Tom Sizemore. The film is set in Los Angeles in 1948 and tells the story of Ezekiel "Easy" Rawlins, a World War II veteran who is struggling to make ends meet. Easy is hired by a mysterious white man to find a missing woman named Daphne Monet, who Easy soon discovers is involved in a complex web of political corruption and murder.
The film is a stylish and atmospheric thriller, with a strong sense of period and place. Franklin does a masterful job of recreating the look and feel of 1940s Los Angeles, from the smoky jazz clubs to the segregated neighborhoods. The film also features a number of memorable characters, including Easy, who is a complex and sympathetic protagonist.
Washington gives a star-making performance as Easy Rawlins. He is perfectly cast as the tough but principled, if reluctant, investigator. Beals is excellent as Daphne Monet, the femme fatale who draws Easy into a dangerous game. Sizemore is also good as the villainous DeWitt Albright.
The film's plot is complex but well-paced, with plenty of twists and turns. The film also portrays the racism and police corruption of 1940s Los Angeles. However, it never becomes heavy-handed, and it manages to maintain a sense of suspense and interest throughout.
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