Black Dahlia, The' - UK Rated: 15
Runtime: 120min 37secs
Tagline: An Investigation into Obsession
Plot Outline
adaptation of James Ellroy's novel about two 1940s L.A. cops who head up the hunt for the killer of starlet Elizabeth Short. Based on a true unsolved murder. In the 1940s, young and beautiful Elizabeth Short came to Hollywood, intending to become a famous actress. However, it would not be her career but her her brutal murder in 1947 that would bring her fame, as "The Black Dahlia". The investigation of her death became an obsession to millions and revealed a vast conspiracy throughout the police department.
Overall Impressions:
Unfortunately the negatives outweigh the positives with ths one. My expectations were pretty average, so I don't feel its that. Brian De Palma has a certain style he brings about onscreen that is unmatchable & that still holds in this film. The performances are top-notch. (Not having read it I can't really comment on whether it is the novel or the adaption of it, but I'd say if it was considered worthy of adaption, I assume the novel was pretty damned good & so) its the screenplay that seems to get it all wrong, Okay perhaps thats a bit harsh. It starts off pretty well, but manages to lose steam by the end. When the climax is reached, the novelty has worn off & you've gona past caring for the outcome. Some snipping would certainly do it some good (even though its not all that long) though its a rewrite that's needed to actually get this fixed.
The positives: Glamour, Style, Performances.
The negatives: Not long, but certainly lags (5.5 out of 10)
It seems to have received very mixed reviews, from downright poor to masterpiece, with some of those in the camp of the former asserting that anyone whose review suggested it was any more than average obviously works for the film studio or associated marketing etcetera.
I personally thoroughly enjoyed it - the style and performances were exceptional and whilst the pace is not fast, you would not expect a fast pace from a film that is in no way action-oriented; I found the pace steady and engaging.
Still, it certainly seems like a film that is not for everyone.
Now, where can I buy a cool hat?
Beg to differ with "you would not expect a fast pace from a film that is in no way action-oriented;"
for 2 reasons:
a) it isn't a matter of expecting a fast pace but noting a slow one, if it wasn't noted then it would have been okay for the genre.
b) i wud say its unfair to say its not at all action oriented.
c) no .. not a 3rd reason .. just an example of a similiar genre film that was done perfectly: L.A Confidential
Ok so it had some vague action sequences, but it wasn't an action film and the subdued pace reflects that. I didn't feel that the pace was slower than needed, others felt it was too slow or outright boring.
Like I said, the film has conflicted opinions, and is perhaps not going to receive the more enduring acclaim of previous works, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Now, about that hat...