“One Good Cop” (1991) is a gripping action-packed drama that follows the life of NYPD detective Artie Lewis, whose moral compass is put to the ultimate test.
Artie finds himself in a perilous situation after his partner is tragically killed, leaving behind three orphaned girls.
Now, Artie must walk a tightrope between being a dutiful cop and a loving father figure to the kids, while grappling with corrupt forces that threaten their safety and his own integrity.
In the face of overwhelming adversity and danger, Artie must navigate through treacherous terrain to protect those he holds dear.
With heart-pounding suspense and intense emotion, this film demonstrates the power of one good cop striving against all odds to do what’s right in an unjust world.

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Review
In the heart of a gritty city, where winds whip through the desolate streets and danger lurks in every shadow, lies a tale that would make even the toughest of men tremble. “One Good Cop,” a film directed by Heywood Gould, brings to life a story that is both thrilling and deeply human. Set against a backdrop of crime and corruption, it explores the limits of one man’s devotion to justice, evoking emotions reminiscent of Ernest Hemingway’s powerful prose.
The storyline centers around Artie Lewis, an honest and dedicated police officer played by Michael Keaton. When tragedy strikes his family and leaves him responsible for three young children, Artie finds himself facing an impossible choice. Desperate to provide for his newfound family, he begins to grapple with the notion of bending the rules in order to ensure their survival.
News of Artie’s predicament spreads like wildfire throughout the precinct. Some officers pity him, sympathizing with his impossible situation. Others are quick to pass judgment, condemning his actions as a betrayal of everything they stand for. As tensions rise within the force, Artie is forced to confront not only external threats but also the demons that reside within his own conscience.
The plot unfolds with intense precision, each scene drawing viewers deeper into Artie’s struggle. The fact that this film was inspired by true events adds to its authenticity and emotional weight. In a world where headlines are filled with tales of police corruption and abuse of power, “One Good Cop” shines a light on the moral dilemmas faced by those entrusted with upholding justice.
The cast delivers powerful performances that resonate long after the credits roll. Michael Keaton’s portrayal of Artie Lewis is nothing short of brilliant. His ability to convey complex emotions through subtle gestures and expressions captures Hemingway’s signature style – understated yet full of depth. Supporting actors Rene Russo as Rita Lewis and Anthony LaPaglia as Stevie Diroma bring a raw, gritty authenticity to their roles. Their chemistry with Keaton is palpable, adding an extra layer of tension and passion to the film.
The history of “One Good Cop” is marked by its unique approach to storytelling. Gould, both writer and director of the film, drew upon his own experiences as a police officer to create a narrative that feels real and genuine. This attention to detail pays off in every frame, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the harsh reality of Artie’s world.
The score and popularity of the film further cement its status as a true gem. The haunting melodies composed by David Newman perfectly complement the visuals, enhancing the tension and emotional impact of pivotal moments. While not an immediate box office success, “One Good Cop” has gained a devoted following over time, solidifying its place as a cult classic in the crime drama genre.
Filming “One Good Cop” presented its fair share of challenges, as capturing the gritty atmosphere of New York City required intricate set designs and careful coordination. The crews worked tirelessly to recreate the city’s mean streets, capturing both its beauty and brutality on celluloid. The result is a visually stunning film that brings Hemingway’s essence to life.
Evaluation of “One Good Cop” reveals critics torn between admiration for its powerful performances and skepticism towards its perceived moral ambiguity. Some applaud Keaton’s nuanced portrayal of Artie Lewis, praising his ability to evoke empathy from audiences despite his morally ambiguous decisions. Others criticize the script for not fully exploring the consequences of Artie’s actions.
Awards may not have poured in for “One Good Cop,” but cinematography enthusiasts can appreciate the carefully crafted visuals that seamlessly blend action with emotion. Each scene is meticulously composed, capturing both the grandeur and grittiness of Artie’s world. From breathtaking aerial shots over New York City to intimate close-ups revealing raw emotions on characters’ faces, the cinematography elevates the film to a higher level.
Opinions on specific scenes within “One Good Cop” vary. Some point to a heart-wrenching moment when Artie must confront his own integrity, torn between loyalty and justice. This clash of values is both gripping and thought-provoking, reflecting Hemingway’s exploration of masculinity and morality.
Gossip surrounding the film primarily revolves around Keaton’s transformation into Artie Lewis. Rumors suggest that he underwent extensive research, shadowing police officers and immersing himself in their world. This dedication to his craft shines through in his restrained yet powerful performance.
The soundtracks of “One Good Cop” add an extra layer of intensity and emotion to the film. From slow-burning ballads in moments of quiet reflection to pulsating beats during action-packed sequences, the music heightens every scene’s impact. The collaboration between Newman and Gould showcases their shared vision for creating an immersive experience for viewers.
An analysis of the special effects in “One Good Cop” reveals a commitment to realism rather than flashy spectacle. The filmmakers opted for practical effects over CGI, allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in Artie’s world. The result is a gritty authenticity that mirrors Hemingway’s unflinching portrayal of life’s hardships.
The development of “One Good Cop” faced its share of setbacks and challenges. Finding investors willing to support a film that dealt with such sensitive topics proved difficult initially. However, Gould persisted, convinced that this story needed to be told. His perseverance paid off when he secured financing from independent producers who shared his vision.
Dialogue plays a pivotal role in “One Good Cop,” capturing both the camaraderie between officers and the tense confrontations that arise as Artie wrestles with his conscience. Gould’s script is rife with sharp exchanges that reveal as much about characters’ motivations as their actions do.
Criticism of the film centers on its portrayal of police officers and their moral dilemmas. Some argue that “One Good Cop” paints an incomplete picture, perpetuating stereotypes without offering a nuanced exploration of the complexities involved in law enforcement. However, others counter that the film merely presents one man’s journey and is not meant to be a comprehensive examination of the entire profession.
Production of “One Good Cop” required meticulous editing to capture the raw intensity of Artie’s story. The pace is both relentless and deliberate, allowing viewers to become fully immersed in his world. Every shot feels purposeful, driving the narrative forward with Hemingway-esque precision.
In conclusion, “One Good Cop” stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and the depths of one man’s struggle for justice in an unjust world. Gould’s direction, combined with Keaton’s captivating performance, delivers a cinematic experience that is both gritty and deeply human. Like Hemingway’s prose, this film does not shy away from exploring complex moral dilemmas or confronting difficult truths about our society. It serves as a reminder that sometimes being a hero means making choices that are anything but easy.
Technical Data

- Release : 1991-05-03
- Runtime : 104
- Genre : Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Cast : Michael Keaton as Artie Lewis, Rene Russo as Rita Lewis, Anthony LaPaglia as Stevie Diroma, Kevin Conway as Lt. Danny Quinn, Rachel Ticotin as Grace
- Crew : Heidi Levitt as Casting, Sandy Veneziano as Production Design, Richard Marks as Editor, Risa Bramon Garcia as Casting, Billy Hopkins as Casting
- Revenue : 0
- Budget : $4,000,000
- Company : Silver Screen Partners IV, Hollywood Pictures
- Popularity : 7.195
- Summary : When his partner is killed in the line of duty, Artie Lewis becomes the legal guardian of his three orphaned girls. But during his investigation of the case, Lewis finds his life – and that of his newfound family – on the line. That’s when the guilty crime-lord comes face to face with one man’s rage, one man’s fury, one man’s justice.
- Tagline : How far will one man go to be a good father and stay…