Narc is a piece of uncompromising and astute brilliance. The simple narrative of an investigation into the death of an undercover narcotics officer propels the drama into a mounting sense of tension. Everything is questionable and in the middle are the equally broken Nick Tellis (a surprisingly likable Jason Patric) and Henry Oak (Ray Liotta).
Carnahan shoots with confidence and, in its closing forty minute interrogation scene, produces one of the most blistering sequences in the crime genre. Reveals are countered by more, equally more shocking truths and, as the films closes, Liotta shot, the prime “suspects” beaten within an inch of their lives and Patric deliberating the moral worth of handing the taped confession to his superiors, a profound sense of ease finally passes over you and you can comfortably move away from the edge of your seat, a place the film strives (and manages) to keep you through the majority of the run time.
After this, Carnahan went on to make Smokin’ Aces, a serviceable but messy follow up that lacked all the panache he shows here. Here’s hoping he can reign it back again for his upcoming A-Team movie.
4.5/5
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