Black Dahlia (2006)reviewed by Benn "Where's the Humanity?" Farrell
Based on the novel, inspired by an actual unsolved Hollywood murder, two Los Angeles cops, during the 1940's, are pulled onto an investigation of aspiring actress Elizabeth Short. Sgt. Blanchard, played by Aaron Eckhart (Thank You for Smoking), becomes obsessed over the case's evidence, while Officer Bleichert, played by Josh Hartnet (Lucky Number Slevin), attempts to find clues in the girl's past while skirting an affair with Blanchard's wife, played by Scarlet Johanssen (Match Point). The story culminates into a series of clues, one after the other, which keeps Bleichert reeling for the truth. "Black Dahlia" is a wonderful throw back to a lost genre. Every component of film noir was present; an affinity to water, a dominant trumpet or saxophone on the soundtrack, the poetic voice over, a woman is the main hero's downfall, etc. It is a very long movie, but it takes much screen time to set up the relationship between Bleichert, Blanchard and his wife. PAY ATTENTION! That's the best advice I can give you. If you're not in the right frame of mind, you'll miss too much and get confused. There is much information to keep track of in this work. There are a couple of shot director Brian De Palma chose which I feel go for shock value over necessity; otherwise, I think the movie is a nice mystery noir thriller with appropriate twists through its third act. This is a nice rental with all the lights turned out and a glass of wine. Benn - Where's the Humanity?
Film noir is a genre that needs to make a comeback, and this film could sure help that.