The Black Dahlia is based on the novel by James Ellroy which is loosely based on the murder of the aspiring actress Elizabeth Short back in the 1940’s. The film is cinematically gorgeous from the gritty back streets to the sets and wardrobes and the bluesy musical track that all transport you back to the ‘40s. Unfortunately for me the film carries us deep in the depths of film noir. I am not a big fan of campy dialogue and over the top scenarios. Despite the poor script writing the acting is superb Josh Hartnett is flawless as the dark heroic detective Officer Dwight “Bucky” Bleichert, he is a perfect leading man. The always astonishing Scarlett Johansson plays Kay Lake the femme-fatale of this film noir. Aaron Eckhart plays Sgt. Leland “Lee” Blanchard in his best performance to date! Mia Kirshner is stunning as Elizabeth Short I believe we will be seeing much more of her in the cinema. Hilary Swank is the one that steals the show though with her ill-behaved character Madeleine Linscott. She is sexy and cunning with a free spirit that Hilary portrays luminously! Although visually stunning and wonderfully acted the storyline is obtuse and leaves the viewer floundering for far too long to stay emotionally invested in these characters. The film ends with an outburst of explanations and actions which are supposed to tie up the lose ends of what happened but really just leave you completely unsatisfied. Brian DePalma’s directing is so chaotic and bounces around so much that you end up getting lost in the mix of it all. The Black Dahlia film is available in MoPix and if you decide to see it for the marvelous performances you will definitely need it!
(Universal)
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Scarlett Johansson, Aaron Eckhart, Mia Kirshner and Hilary Swank
