In answer to a desperate phone call from his ex-girlfriend, Brendan Frye (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) steeps himself in a murder mystery worthy of Jake Gittes, complete with beatdowns, territorial kingpins, and a complicated relationship with the law, i.e. his high school's administration. Under pressure to throw the VP a bone, Frye begins his investigation with his best imitation of Cool Hand Luke, and what ensues is a tense and fun unraveling of a dark and ironic underworld. The only downside to this somber comedy is that there's not more to unravel to connect it to the bigger picture. In light of recent news, I suggest something like water rights.
For more nerdy noir fun, check out the glossary on the movie's official site.