Review of Black Dahlia (2006) by Mark D — 09 Aug 2013

This picture was based on a novel of the same title by James Ellroy (who is probably best known for writing "L.A. Confidential), who was likely inspired by the real life 1947 "Black Dahlia" murder. This film was nominated for Best Cinematography at the 79th Academy Awards, but lost to Pan's Labyrinth.

It got a bad rap but is a better film than indicated though I will warn that some casual moviegoers will have a hard time following it.

The movie follows two ex boxer buddy cops (Josh Hartnett and Aaron Eckhart) who both "love" the same woman (played by Scarlet Johansen). Said woman has a dark past and is married to the character played by Eckhart. You can imagine one of the paths that will manifest in this love triangle but I leave it to your imagination.

There is a true visual brilliance in this picture. Perhaps too much that the story gets put in the background at times. As there were complaints that this tale is convoluted one has to remember that this is a mystery with clue trails and red herrings are going to be obvious yet perhaps unsatisfying to some viewers. Perhaps one of the problems is that by the time the mystery is solved it doesn't feel "big" enough or emotionally moving enough to have a satisfying ending?

Still worth a look but this isn't as good as L.A. Confidential.

In addition to names already mentioned this also stars Hillary Swank and Mike Starr.

This just about broke even at the Box Office in comparison to its budget.

STORY/PLOTTING: B; CHARACTERS/DIALOGUE: B plus; NOIR ELEMENTS: B minus;.

CLUE TRAILS/RESULT: B; CINEMATOGRAPHY: B plus to A minus; WHEN WATCHED: mid October 2012 (streamed); OVERALL GRADE: B.