The Black Dahlia (2006)

O An excellent must-see
O Good video rental
X Mediocre
O Rent something else

Review by Jason Pyles / May 2, 2007

There is a critical, invisible element to filmmaking called “pacing,” which simply means the speed at which the story unfolds and the significant sequences occur. “The Black Dahlia” isn’t a tortoise or molasses; it is a three-toed sloth, stuck behind a tortoise traffic jam on a road of molasses.

And this is more of an observation than a criticism: Some period pieces look authentic; others, like this one, have an artificiality to them. Since “The Black Dahlia” is “inspired by the most notorious, unsolved murder in California history,” it should have been more realistic.

“The Black Dahlia” is an adaptation of the James Ellroy novel about a 1940s movie star who is gruesomely murdered and disemboweled. It follows the investigation of two cops who both become emotionally (and otherwise) involved.

Josh Hartnett, Aaron Eckhart, Scarlett Johansson, Hilary Swank and Mia Kirshner (who plays Elizabeth Short) are all entertaining to watch. There are also interesting developments, but they’re few and far between.

This edited version deletes the murder gore, but there are still scenes of violence and some blood.

It’s a shame that Elizabeth Short became more famous after she was dead. Painters tend to have that problem, too.

Directed by Brian De Palma
Josh Hartnett / Aaron Eckhart / Scarlett Johansson
121 min. Crime / Mystery
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 16 and up

DVD release date: December 26, 2006
Copyright 2007.
JP0095 : 198