The Black Dahlia

[cjgrad23]

holy crap - rented this movie last night, figuring it would be interesting (Cj major:o ), and i did a report on it a while back for one of my classes.

First, never, ever, let any kids watch this movie. period. not overly violent, but very disturbing images, plus bad language and nudity and a fairly pornographic scene.

second, if you are creeped out at all, do not watch this. I saw it 6 hours ago and still see the body when i close my eyes (hint, when you here the crow squawk, close your eyes). ugh. even worse is the bonus features, which show actual crime scene photos, as opposed to the fx in the movie. In addition, the actual case is a backstory for a very confusing police conspiracy, not related to the case as far as I could tell.

But, I have to give the movie props for three reasons. One, it has a bunch of old smiths and colts, stuff you do not see in movies anymore(look for the colt pocket model). second, it is set up alot like those old detective movies, where the hero narrarates (sic) the story.and three, for building a movie around an actual murder case, and keeping the facts straight, for the most part.

from an educational standpoint, I like this movie, because, frankly, CJ students are minimally exposed to any sort of crime scene photos, and having read about the case, got the photos to go along with the story. However, for those who get this as a " well, theres nothing else, and I like cop movies", consider this a warning

[Jenner 515]

The author of the book that the movie was based upon is James Ellroy (he also did L.A. Confidential) yeah the book is entirely fiction with a smattering of the Black Dahlia case thrown in...

...but it is VERY good fiction if you like the genre.

Thanks for the heads up review, might not rent this one and stick with the book instead.

[Harry White]

Yeah, Ellroy's novel is superb - he's easily one of my favorite authors, and hands-down the best crime writer. Have heard mostly negative reviews about the film version of the book. I still want to see it though -- I have this weird thing about wanting to see any movie that was based on a book that I have already read.

Thanks for your review.

[DRod]

Ill be sure to pick it up while Im out today. I meant to see it in theaters but... my ever hectic life:rolleyes:kept me from it.

[JaM]

Sorry to disagree here. Yes, the guns were nice. For the rest, the movie kinda sucked. I found it a hard to beleive, "lets put everyting in this movie (sex/violence/boxing)", story, wich I frankly found boring.

I dont know why I bothered to see it to the end, but alas. Lets say it was not my kind of film, I had high hopes though reading the back of the box.


Now, "the prestige", or that other "magician" movie (with Edward Norton), I liked those.
But be free to disagree though :).

Cheers,

JaM