Josh Hartnett, Scarlett Johansson, Hilary Swank, Aaron Eckhart, Mia Kirshner
Directed by Brian DePalma
Rated R

Based on James Ellroy’s novel of the same name, The Black Dahlia supposes the circumstances surrounding the brutal slaying of would – be Hollywood starlet Elizabeth Short (Kirshner). Ellroy also penned the book upon which the film L.A. Confidential was based and director Brian DePalma’s Dahlia is very much in the same noir vein as its predecessor.

DePalma has a rather rocky film history full of major hits (Scarface, The Untouchables, Carrie, Carlito’s Way) and tragic misses (Mission to Mars, Snake Eyes, Femme Fatale). The Black Dahlia is a return to form for the illustrious director.

Set in LA in the late ’40s, the film is a highly stylized murder mystery based on one of Hollywood’s more lurid legends. Police officers Bucky Bleichert (Hartnett) and Lee Blanchard (Eckhart) are assigned to the case of the gruesome Dahlia murder, leading them both down dark and destructive paths that challenge their relationships, their ethics and ideals.
The film has the makings of a classic. All of the elements are in place: flawless sets and exemplary costuming, captivating storytelling, a compelling score that complements the dark and treacherous story and a cast full of transcending performances, all enhanced by DePalma’s wicked camera wizardry.
I’ve never been a fan of Hartnett (blame it on his evil turn in 2001’s O), though he reminded me of Jack Nicholson in Chinatown in this performance, a little innocent and clueless yet still hardened and determined while on the edge of something much bigger. Eckhart seems a little wasted here with his erratic behavior and edginess and it takes away from the otherwise well-refined plot.
Hilary Swank’s sultry turn as socialite Madeleine Linscott heats up the screen and Johansson’s Kay Lake, with her wine-stained pout and rich intonation, is tailor-made for the era represented. Somehow she manages to appease the theater with her onscreen presence while reflecting the virgin/whore mantra impeccably.
At times, the plot seems a bit convoluted?between the twisted love triangles, Lee’s obsession with the dead girl and his possible speed addiction, an off-the-wall family dinner and sordid back stories of most of the major players?it does get a little frustrating waiting for it all to come together, but the answers are very much worth the wait.