The Black Dahlia, or Brian De Palma Is A Hack

[sethsez]

This movie is amazingly campy. It is without a doubt the campiest movie of 2006, and it is so campy that it actually manages to take 2005 and 2007 with it. We've got gaudy lesbian clubs, Hilary Swank trying to be a femme fatale, triple crossings, no fewer than four "heat of the moment" sex scenes (or rather, allusions to sex scenes, as the thing always fades out shortly after a shirt gets passionately ripped off), Josh Hartnett trying to be grizzled, plenty of slow motion (both for dramatic deaths and revelatory flashbacks), the most predictable period music ever (and an overwrought score to match), someone walking slowly toward the camera with shadows obscuring their face, crooked cops, obsession, a drugged out society matron who hams it up in a manner that suggests she's the only person who knows how ridiculous this movie it, dark pasts, and of course Brian De Palma's usual bag of directorial tricks.

What makes this all so great is that it's supposed to be serious.

[ChaoofNee]

So... you liked it?

[sethsez]

I liked it, but not in the way De Palma wanted me to like it. Though I must admit at times it went from "so bad it's fun" to just plain bad and I felt like leaving.

[Will]

Did they actually show the gory parts of that first chick's death?

It's almost the sole reason why I want to see it sadly.

[Revoltor]

I watched The Untouchables in it's entirety 2 weeks ago and have come to the realization that it's pretty fucking bad but really fucking fun.

[B-Ri]

i liked it, it wasnt a perfect movie whatsoever, but i liked it.

[sethsez]

Did they actually show the gory parts of that first chick's death?

It's almost the sole reason why I want to see it sadly.

Her corpse is quite graphic, but you only get one 5 second shot of her death near the end, and it's pretty much the tamest part of it. Don't see this for gore.

I watched The Untouchables in it's entirety 2 weeks ago and have come to the realization that it's pretty fucking bad but really fucking fun.

I'll agree with that. It's a massive hunk of cheese with occasionally great camera work, but if you don't go in expecting a masterpiece it can be a blast. The Black Dahlia doesn't reach that level of fun, but it's the same style.

[sleeve]

I'll agree with that. It's a massive hunk of cheese with occasionally great camera work, but if you don't go in expecting a masterpiece it can be a blast. The Black Dahlia doesn't reach that level of fun, but it's the same style.

Don't forget the great musical score (Ennio Morricone!).

[Will]

Her corpse is quite graphic, but you only get one 5 second shot of her death near the end, and it's pretty much the tamest part of it. Don't see this for gore.

Heh, well the movie itself has an interesing premise but the way they describe her death in the commercials and trailers makes me want to see that part so bad.

I dunno though, I might see the film.

[sethsez]

Heh, well the movie itself has an interesing premise but the way they describe her death in the commercials and trailers makes me want to see that part so bad.

I dunno though, I might see the film.

You do know Elizabeth Short was actually murdered this way, right? It's a notorious unsolved case.