MovieChat Forums > L.A. Confidential (1997) Discussion > Rollo Tomasi

Rollo Tomasi

posted 8 years ago by theonelion
13 replies | jump to latest

Hey guys,

Quick question here. Why did Jack tell "Rollo Tomasi" as his last words to Smith knowing that he could then use it to his advantage?

Cheers!

[–] jbaddock 8 years ago

He was laying a trap for Smith. He knew that Smith would mention the name to Exley, who had only ever revealed the name to Jack, so as soon as Smith mentioned Rollo Tomasi to him, Exley knew that he must have spoken to Jack and so must have been involved in Jack's death.

[–] theonelion 8 years ago

Thanks!

[–] ExTechOp (2770) 7 years ago

I like to think it had a double-meaning.

On the surface, Jack knew he was dying and was smart enough to send a message to Exley using Dudley as the messenger.

But I also like to think Jack smiled because he'd realized Dudley WAS a "Rollo Tomasi," i.e., "the guy who gets away with it."

[–] MNRebecca (769) 6 years ago

Here's the part I don't understand. Why on earth did Smith repeat it (to Exley)? Did he really think the man he just murdered (Jack) was gonna do him a favor/give him a lead?

[–] filmtenk (765) 6 years ago

I mean, what are the chances Exley and Jack talked about a fictional character? I doubt Smith is used to intimidate conversations amongst fellow officers and had much imagination.

If anything Exley’s wtf shock reaction might have given himself away.

[–] MNRebecca (769) 6 years ago

I mean, what are the chances Exley and Jack talked about a fictional character?

Not following you. Let's take it step by step.

Why did Smith mention RT to Exley?

[–] filmtenk (765) 6 years ago

It was the last words of the man he murdered. That’s gota stick in anyone’s craw. Smith was trying to tie up loose ends. He was investigating a lead to that end.

[–] MNRebecca (769) 6 years ago

Smith was trying to tie up loose ends. He was investigating a lead to that end.

Right. So my question is, why would he trust that this was a reliable lead when it came from Jack, the man he just murdered and now knows Smith is a crook? Isn't it obvious Jack would be out to trip Smith up at this point, NOT to help him?

[–] filmtenk (765) 6 years ago

Yes you’re right good point. I guess he just couldn’t leave it alone. Maybe his obsession with getting rid of loose ends came back to bite him in the ass. If he let it go he might have gotten away with it all.

[–] MNRebecca (769) 4 years ago

Just re-watched it. Now I think that Smith had nothing to lose by mentioning the name to Exley because he had already decided to kill the lieutenant. Might as well go on a fishing expedition to search for any outstanding loose ends.

[–] MNRebecca (769) 2 years ago

Nope. Just watched it again and that doesn’t cut it for me. started a new specific thread about it.

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

OMG guys, you’ve got to this. It is the most dramatic moment in the whole film! The look on Exley’s face when Dudley says the words “Rollo Tomasi” back to him. In that instant, he knows Dudley killed Jack, yet he has to hide his revelation. High drama, very noire, great acting by Pearce.

[–] GreenGoblinsOck8 (7699) 6 years ago

It is funny how it ends up biting him in the butt at the end.
"Rollo Tomasi."
"Who is he?"
"You are. You're the one who gets away with it."