Dormer And Eckhart Film Analysis

Two LAPD detectives are called to Nightmute, Alaska when 17-year-old Kay Connells is found murdered. During this time, detective Will Dormer and Hap Eckhart are under investigation from Internal Affairs regarding one of Dormer’s old cases. The first night there, Eckhart reveals to Dormer that IA has offered him immunity in exchange for his testimony. He also tells Dormer that he will accept the deal, infuriating Dormer. The next day, Dormer comes up with a plan to lure the suspect in the Connells’ case back to the scene of the crime. However, the plan fails and the police give chase. During the chase, the suspect shoots one officer in the leg. Dormer continues on and sees and shoots one lone figure in the fog, assuming it is the suspect. When he comes closer, he realizes that he actually shot his partner. As Eckhart struggles to breathe, he accuses Dormer of purposely shooting and killing him. Remembering the IA investigation, Dormer knows that they will never believe that he shot Eckhart on accident. He then creates the lie that Eckhart was shot by the suspect. Just to be careful, the police chief puts Ellie Burr, a young police officer, in charge of investigating Eckhart’s shooting. The police are able to find the first bullet …show more content…
The main character is a veteran officer that sometimes follows the rules but is not above planting evidence and framing someone else for a crime. He is viewed and is regarded as a hero for his high success rate but how he went about solving the crime raises questions about his true motivations. Dormer is an interesting character because he goes through great lengths to take down those who deserve to be punished, but in the time that he is alone, he feels guilty and a little ashamed of how far he went. The film portrays Dormer as a man who has given his life to protect the law and yet struggles to stay honest in his methods. And as a result, the audience may feel empathy towards