10 Years Before 'The Lowdown,' Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling Pulled off the Same Idea With a '70s Twist Actorsvaultpro

Inspired by citizen journalist Lee Roy Chapman, who uncovered shocking stories about Tulsa, Oklahoma, in the early 2010s, actor Ethan Hawke’s new series on FX, The Lowdown, is off to a great start. Having aired only two episodes so far, the crime comedy-drama has already earned praise from critics across Hollywood. The show not only starts with a bang (literally) but also features a lineup of A-list talent, including Kyle MacLachlan, Keith David, Jeanne Tripplehorn, and Tim Blake Nelson.

Regarding the story, the trailer itself promises that one man’s death will unfold into a state-wide conspiracy involving hidden tunnels, stolen art, and “some freaky stuff.” What more can be said? Hawke is great with anybody he works with, and the wandering investigative role suits his on-screen presence. The quirky, over-the-top murder mystery in The Lowdown is reminiscent of The Nice Guys, a neo-noir action film from nearly 10 years ago that also revolves around a society-shattering conspiracy.

Ryan Gosling Plays a Desperate Private Eye in ‘The Nice Guys’

Warner Bros.

While Hawke’s Lee Raybon seems to have a new character foil now and again throughout the series, 2016’s The Nice Guys went the other way and matched Russell Crowe with Ryan Gosling for the entire film, and it worked out well. The movie was directed by the same filmmaker who brought us the first two Lethal Weapons, as well as Arnold Schwarzenegger’s The Last Action Hero, so you knew you were in for something unique. Hawke’s rogue investigator was another trait shared by The Nice Guys, believe it or not.

Even though it’s clearly seen that Raybon intentionally looks for conspiracies that affect the public in Tulsa, Gosling’s character — Holland March — unknowingly turned out to be the same type of character. He’s a half-cocked private eye that ends up stepping into something much bigger than he bargained for. The Nice Guys is set in the ’70s, though, and the plot is a bit more retro than you imagine. The story features themes that are centered around pollution and turns antiquated film reels into highly sought-after items.

‘The Lowdown’ Has an Incoming Buddy Cop Dynamic

Kyle MacLachlan and Ethan Hawke in The Lowdown staring at each other

Eventually, March teams up with the belligerent Jackson Healy (Crowe) during the investigation. Even though The Nice Guys wasn’t received all that well at the box office, the buddy cop dynamic is what helps make this movie memorable all these years later. Whether Jackson and Holland are clashing with each other or pursuing the missing woman in the adult entertainment world, Misty Mountains, their unconventional chemistry mirrors that of Hawke and David in the first two episodes. You know that they’re going to have to work together at some point, and the same kind of offbeat interactions will undoubtedly occur as seen in director Shane Black’s movie.

At first glance, you’re not sure if it will work, but the result has you asking why Hollywood didn’t use Ethan Hawke in more buddy cop movies. His ability to read the room and determine where he needs to go (acting-wise) to elevate the other actors, as well as the overall scene, is a rare talent these days. The on-screen chemistry between him and Keith David adds a fresh dimension to the buddy cop dynamic — both are experienced actors — and this back-and-forth from two older perspectives refreshes the entire genre. To see an older and younger foil, The Nice Guys is the most recent story you want to see.

This Scene From ‘The Nice Guys’ Says It All

Jackson Healy and Holland March talking to Tally in The Nice Guys

One scene in The Nice Guys perfectly showcases both the retro ’70s atmosphere and the dynamic interplay between Gosling and Crowe. Held at gunpoint by Tally (the assistant of the mother whose daughter is presumably dead), who is donning a Charlie’s Angels-inspired outfit, Holland starts rapidly going through the reasons why she’s not a killer in her heart of hearts. Being the more experienced one, Jackson tries to quickly convince him that she is before they both get killed.

There’s a slight distraction on the other side of the door, and Holland takes advantage of the opportunity by getting down on the floor and feeling around Jackson’s leg for the ankle gun referenced earlier in the movie. The two male leads are fantastic in this sequence, quickly riffing off each other’s attitude and knowing how to bring the laughs while keeping the severity of the scene intact. This alone makes The Nice Guys the ultimate companion piece to The Lowdown — the two male leads trying to make it through the toughest of situations while also struggling to cope with each other.

While The Nice Guys can be streamed on various platforms, such as Prime Video, YouTube, and Google Play, The Lowdown is currently releasing new episodes on Hulu every week.