Bad Lieutenant
1992

Bad Lieutenant

★ 7.0 / 10
IMDb
Directed by Abel Ferrara
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Synopsis

Bad Lieutenant follows a deeply corrupt and self-destructive New York City police officer, played by Harvey Keitel, as he sinks into addiction, gambling debts, and moral depravity. When assigned to investigate the brutal rape of a nun, he becomes obsessed with her extraordinary act of forgiveness, forcing him to confront his own sins. The film is a raw, unflinching portrait of guilt, redemption, and spiritual crisis.

Did You Know?
  • Harvey Keitel prepared for the role by consulting real NYPD officers.
  • Keitel filmed his infamous nude scene without a body double.
  • Director Abel Ferrara based the story on real NYC corruption.
  • The film was initially given an NC-17 rating upon release.
  • Harvey Keitel considered this role one of his most demanding.
Iconic Quotes
  • You think you can catch me? You think you can catch me?
  • I did so many terrible things. I gotta make it right.
  • Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ, where are you? Where the fuck are you?
  • You forgave them. You gotta forgive me.
  • I'm the fucking boss, I'm the fucking boss up here.
Editorial

Why Eltorama recommends this film

Ferrara films Harvey Keitel's cop falling through every floor of his own soul. The void is sanctified at the end, but the path was real, and the path is the film.