So far the Oscar picks are slim for the ones I thought would sweep and The Black Dahlia I thought for sure would be one of those films but after seeing it I'm not so sure. It's not that The Black Dahlia is not good...in fact in many ways it's brilliant. First and foremost the cinematography and direction is downright brilliant. If there was ever a film that absolutely captures the 40's film noir, detective film this is it!! 2006 will be remembered for this film as capturing the heart of not only 40's Hollywood but the style of film. The soft ambiance of the female leads, the tough and brash performance by the male leads and the quiet, mellow narration by the lead detective. Parts of this film are brilliant!! The cast is very good while I will delve into in a moment but where this film trips and stumbles...actually falls flat is the story. Based on a novel which I have not read it is fair to warn anyone that this film barely touches the actual Black Dahlia murder. Based on a very real historical, still open case the film doesn't touch on it accurately in ANY way. This is a completely fictional story revolving around a historical event and how that event effects the lives of two detectives...one in particular. While brilliant in it's atmosphere the story drags and you keep questioning how the murder has anything to do with what's going on. But on the plus side it does present a solution to the murder (although completely fictional.)
Josh Hartnett really grows up in this picture. I think this might be his big breakthrough role into adult acting. I know he's had some decently mature roles but I never took him seriously until now. His performance as "Bucky" Bleichert is good enough to carry the film which is tough considering the slow moving and sticky plot. He's tough and masculine and his voice over work for the narration really makes a difference in the film. I feel he deserves at least a nomination for this role since he really does make the film worth while and I've never been a huge fan. Aaron Eckhart, who has always been a terrific character actor really shines as the Black Dahlia obsessed Detective "Lee" Blanchard, Bleichert's partner and best friend. Eckhart really is intense and his character arc goes from in control and strong to a complete mess as he delves into the murder which drives him to solve it because of his sister whose murder went unsolved years before that. Eckhart really does get a much more emotionally driven character than Hartnett and ends up turning out a more noticeable role and will likely get a supporting actor nod. The ladies of The Black Dahlia are probably the most noticeable. Scarlett Johansson scorches the screen as Eckhart's long time girlfriend Kay Lake. It's not so much that her performance is sexy or sexualized but her performance is that of Audrey Hepburn, she embraces the forties and comes across as an actress from the high light of Hollywood. She looks stunning and her pale visage, blonde hair and bright red lipstick make her luminous. The soft way that De Palma films her utilizes her best and she absolutely deserves accolades for this role. On the flip side you have Hilary Swank who has had some great roles, and an Academy Award to her name but falters with this role slightly. She doesn't come across anywhere nearly as glamorous as Johansson but then her character isn't meant to. She plays sultry, seductive, and almost slutty Madeleine Linscott. Despite being rich she comes across as low class and sleazy. She seduces Hartnett's character and becomes embroiled in the murder mystery. Still her accent and her performance comes across a little forced and not nearly as well fitted as everyone else in the film is. Johansson definitely outshines her although they have little to no screen time together. Mia Kirshner plays a small yet important role as the ill fated Black Dahlia Elizabeth Short in video footage and flashbacks. Her character is mysterious and intriguing and her background unfolds carefully as they investigate. She does a great job performing the role she is given. Fiona Shaw plays the mentally deranged mother of Hilary Swank's character. She comes across as more of a joke than a serious role but it is some comic relief however misplaced that may be.
Brian De Palma has a name in Hollywood. He has made some twisted, violent and dark movies and in many ways The Black Dahlia fits his M.O. perfectly. The film has De Palma all over it and his brilliant direction has to be given great kudos. His brilliant capturing of 40's Hollywood is an absolute must see. Unfortunately the story that should focus on the murder takes twists and turns through Bleichert and Blanchard's relationship, friendship and ultimate downfall...the film covers everything from their boxing career to their rise within the police force. The violent and dark and gritty nature of the murder is kept in tact and done in true De Palma style there is no doubt. There are definitely moments of cringe worthy violence and this is a great piece of art. The film is complex and intelligent, maybe too much so but for a true lover of film must be seen if not simply for the great performances and truly brilliant film making. 7/10
Josh Hartnett really grows up in this picture. I think this might be his big breakthrough role into adult acting. I know he's had some decently mature roles but I never took him seriously until now. His performance as "Bucky" Bleichert is good enough to carry the film which is tough considering the slow moving and sticky plot. He's tough and masculine and his voice over work for the narration really makes a difference in the film. I feel he deserves at least a nomination for this role since he really does make the film worth while and I've never been a huge fan. Aaron Eckhart, who has always been a terrific character actor really shines as the Black Dahlia obsessed Detective "Lee" Blanchard, Bleichert's partner and best friend. Eckhart really is intense and his character arc goes from in control and strong to a complete mess as he delves into the murder which drives him to solve it because of his sister whose murder went unsolved years before that. Eckhart really does get a much more emotionally driven character than Hartnett and ends up turning out a more noticeable role and will likely get a supporting actor nod. The ladies of The Black Dahlia are probably the most noticeable. Scarlett Johansson scorches the screen as Eckhart's long time girlfriend Kay Lake. It's not so much that her performance is sexy or sexualized but her performance is that of Audrey Hepburn, she embraces the forties and comes across as an actress from the high light of Hollywood. She looks stunning and her pale visage, blonde hair and bright red lipstick make her luminous. The soft way that De Palma films her utilizes her best and she absolutely deserves accolades for this role. On the flip side you have Hilary Swank who has had some great roles, and an Academy Award to her name but falters with this role slightly. She doesn't come across anywhere nearly as glamorous as Johansson but then her character isn't meant to. She plays sultry, seductive, and almost slutty Madeleine Linscott. Despite being rich she comes across as low class and sleazy. She seduces Hartnett's character and becomes embroiled in the murder mystery. Still her accent and her performance comes across a little forced and not nearly as well fitted as everyone else in the film is. Johansson definitely outshines her although they have little to no screen time together. Mia Kirshner plays a small yet important role as the ill fated Black Dahlia Elizabeth Short in video footage and flashbacks. Her character is mysterious and intriguing and her background unfolds carefully as they investigate. She does a great job performing the role she is given. Fiona Shaw plays the mentally deranged mother of Hilary Swank's character. She comes across as more of a joke than a serious role but it is some comic relief however misplaced that may be.
Brian De Palma has a name in Hollywood. He has made some twisted, violent and dark movies and in many ways The Black Dahlia fits his M.O. perfectly. The film has De Palma all over it and his brilliant direction has to be given great kudos. His brilliant capturing of 40's Hollywood is an absolute must see. Unfortunately the story that should focus on the murder takes twists and turns through Bleichert and Blanchard's relationship, friendship and ultimate downfall...the film covers everything from their boxing career to their rise within the police force. The violent and dark and gritty nature of the murder is kept in tact and done in true De Palma style there is no doubt. There are definitely moments of cringe worthy violence and this is a great piece of art. The film is complex and intelligent, maybe too much so but for a true lover of film must be seen if not simply for the great performances and truly brilliant film making. 7/10