Brian De Palma’s The Black Dahlia, released in theaters on September 1, 2006, is a highly stylized neo-noir film based on James Ellroy’s novel of the same name. The movie delves into the infamous 1947 unsolved murder of Elizabeth Short, an aspiring actress whose grisly death captivated the nation.
The plot follows two Los Angeles detectives and former boxers, Bucky Bleichert (Josh Hartnett) and Lee Blanchard (Aaron Eckhart). The pair become local heroes after a publicized fight, and their fame soon lands them on the team investigating the “Black Dahlia” case.
Bucky and Lee are both romantically involved with women who complicate their lives; Bucky is with Lee’s girlfriend, Kay Lake (Scarlett Johansson), while Lee’s passion for the case, and for a wealthy woman named Madeleine Linscott (Hilary Swank), becomes an obsession.
As Bucky uncovers a trail of corruption, a dark conspiracy, and a tangled family history, he finds himself drawn deeper into the twisted Hollywood underworld, questioning everything and everyone around him.
The film’s most notable strength is its visual style. De Palma masterfully recreates the noir atmosphere of 1940s Los Angeles, using shadows, dramatic lighting, and sweeping camera movements that are reminiscent of classic Hollywood.
The performances are solid across the board, with Mia Kirshner delivering a memorable, if brief, performance as the doomed Elizabeth Short.
Rose McGowan also appears as Sheryl Saddon.
The film attempts to capture the sprawling, multi-layered nature of Ellroy’s source material, but its intricate subplots and large cast can be difficult to follow.
The Black Dahlia premiered at the 63rd Venice International Film Festival on August 30, 2006.
Scarlett Johansson and Josh Hartnett in The Black Dahlia (Photo/Universal Pictures)
Reception for The Black Dahlia
The Black Dahlia grossed $10 million on its opening weekend, finishing second at the box office.
The film would gross $49.3 million worldwide.
Legacy
The film’s legacy is a divisive one; while it is lauded for its stunning visuals and period detail, its complex and sometimes convoluted plot has often left audiences and critics polarized.
It’s a classic Brian De Palma film, full of his signature visual flair, homage to classic Hollywood, and intricate, suspenseful sequences.
Despite its flaws, The Black Dahlia is a bold and ambitious film that is a must-see for fans of classic noir and De Palma’s unique visual style.
