City of Lies (2021) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie is set in Los Angeles, a city known for its entertainment industry and vibrant culture. Los Angeles serves as more than just a backdrop, it represents a microcosm of crime and corruption within law enforcement. The city's complex history, especially during times of social upheaval, plays a significant role in the narrative.

• los angeles
• setting
• location
• city
• backdrop

The film spans two pivotal years: 1997, the year of The Notorious B.I.G.'s murder, and 2015, when journalist Darius Jackson seeks the truth. This dual timeline allows the story to explore both the original events and their lingering consequences. The 1997 setting reflects an atmosphere marked by societal tension following high-profile police brutality cases.

• 1997
• 2015
• timeline
• time period
• notorious b.i.g.
• era

Justice is a central theme, as both Darius Jackson and Russell Poole grapple with systemic corruption within the LAPD. Their relentless dedication to uncovering the truth highlights the challenges faced by those who strive for accountability in a flawed system. The film portrays justice as an ongoing struggle rather than an attainable goal, reflecting on the consequences of societal neglect.

• justice
• corruption
• truth
• accountability
• lapd
• police corruption

Loss permeates the narrative, not only through the tragic murders of B.I.G. and Tupac but also in the personal toll on the characters pursuing justice. Voletta Wallace's heartbreak as a mother mirrors Poole's sacrifices for his career, emphasizing the deep emotional scars left by violence. The theme reminds viewers of the human cost of crime and the lasting impact on families seeking closure.

• loss
• grief
• death
• family
• emotional
• tupac
• biggie

Russell Poole is a former LAPD detective portrayed by Shamier Anderson, whose relentless pursuit of truth leads him into the depths of police corruption. His tragic journey reveals the weight of the burdens he bears as he uncovers shocking revelations never accepted by his department. Poole's integrity stands in stark contrast to the cover-ups, making him a tragic yet heroic figure.

• russell poole
• detective
• lapd
• investigator
• protagonist

Darius 'Jack' Jackson is an investigative journalist deeply committed to uncovering the truth behind The Notorious B.I.G.'s murder. His journey of accountability reveals his flaws and reflects on his past mistakes, especially in regard to implicating Wallace's son. Jackson's growth through collaboration with Voletta Wallace underscores his dedication to delivering closure.

• darius jackson
• jack jackson
• journalist
• reporter
• investigator

Voletta Wallace is the grieving mother of The Notorious B.I.G., embodying resilience as she seeks justice for her son's untimely death. Throughout the film, her strength and vulnerability are on full display, showcasing a mother's unwavering love and determination to uncover the truth. She forms a powerful alliance with Jackson, highlighting her role as a voice for the voiceless.

• voletta wallace
• mother
• biggie
• family
• grief
• justice for biggie

The movie exposes a complex network of corruption within the Los Angeles Police Department. The investigation reveals dangerous secrets and challenges the integrity of the city's institutions. The pair must navigate a perilous path as they confront powerful forces determined to keep the truth buried, illustrating how deeply corruption can infiltrate law enforcement.

• police corruption
• lapd
• conspiracy
• cover-up
• institutional corruption

Los Angeles continues to grapple with its past, notably during times of social upheaval, making it the ideal setting for exploring themes of institutional corruption. The city has often been a microcosm of crime and corruption within law enforcement, as highlighted by the film's events surrounding infamous cases. The setting grounds the real-world events in a specific historical and cultural context.

• los angeles
• city
• culture
• history
• social unrest
• urban setting