The Black Dahlia

Starring: Josh Hartnett, Scarlett Johansson, Aaron Eckhart, Hilary Swank, Rose McGowan
Directed by: Brian De Palma
Rating: R
Genre: Drama, Crime, Thriller
2006

Times Seen:
Tim: 1


Summary: Two cops (Josh Hartnett, Aaron Eckhart) are pushed to the limits as they search for the killer of a young woman in Hollywood.

Review:

Tim: If you were to add up all of The Black Dahlia's flaws, the list would be overwhelming. This is a movie that had potential, but ends up a laughable mess. The plot rarely makes sense, the characters are so far out there it is impossible to empathize with them, the dialogue stinks, and the film takes itself so seriously that you can't help but shake your head in disgust.

Brian De Palms wastes as supremely selected cast. Josh Hartnett has a few good moments, but his acting is wooden and almost Keanu Reeves-esque (and not the good kind, either). Aaron Eckhart had some great potential, but the role causes this to be completely squandered. Scarlett Johansson adds very little (but she does add to the film, which is an achievement). Hilary Swank is just awful. Watching her in this film, I just couldn't believe she's won 2 Academy Awards. The cast simply does not work in this film.

While the film keeps us guessing for a while, as the curtains finally open, we see this film for what it is- a woeful mess that capitalizes on almost none of its strengths. Brian De Palma's direction is mediocre at best. I will give the film some credit for its cinematography, for which it was nominated for an Oscar. Sadly, the strengths of this movie don't even begin to make up for the heaps of weaknesses. This is the worst kind of film-noir... one done poorly and cheaply, and ends up bitterly disappointing its audience.


Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Hollywoodland, The Untouchables, L.A. Confidential