The Black Dahlia

Based on James Ellroy’s darkest and most famous crime novel, which was itself based in part on the real-life murder of would-be actress Elizabeth Short, The Black Dahlia seems like grade-A source material for a modern film noir, and those who have read the book will undoubtedly leave the theatre with one thought on their minds: “How did they mess that up?” Brian De Palma, a director who has been consistently hit or miss in the past, misses enormously with this tonally erratic and perplexing adaptation that succeeds in nothing but confounding the viewer. Josh Hartnett is miscast as the uncompromising Det. Bucky Bleichert, and Aaron Eckhart is almost one-dimensional as his tough-as-nails partner Lee Blanchard. These two men, who enjoyed a friendly pugilistic rivalry during their early days on the force, soon find themselves embroiled in a mystery that drags them from the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles to the elite social hierarchy of Hollywood. There are several moments along the way that work quite well, but the muddled final act is almost laughable.

Directed by Brian De Palma.
Written by Josh Friedman.
Starring Josh Hartnett, Scarlett Johansson, Aaron Eckhart, Hillary Swank and Mia Kirshner.

Rated R for strong violence, some grisly images, sexual content and language. 121 min.

** so says The Fish