The Black Dahlia- C

The main issue I have with this movie is that the style of direction and the script do not match up. The movie takes place in the 40’s, and filmed in a noir style. It’s based on the true story of a Hollywood style murder of a high-profile woman. Director, Brian De Palma has made a career out of these types of movies. (The Untouchables, Bonfire of the Vanities, Femme Fatale) De Palma must have seen something in the script that I certainly didn’t. The main problem is the ending, which is unclear and unbelievable. In addition, the pace of the movie is slower than needed and frustrating. It has a stellar cast including Josh Hartnett, Scarlett Johansson, Aaron Eckhart, and Hilary Swank. I feel that most of De Palma’s movies will stand the test of time, and possibly be recognized more as time goes on. Sadly The Black Dahlia will not be one of them.