The Black Dahlia

In this review i might have to hold a little history lesson because this review is for The Black Dahlia. The movie is based off the book which is inspired by the story of The Black Dahlia murder. For those that don't know The Black Dahlia was the nickname given to Elizabeth Short who was brutally murdered and mutilated by an unknown killer that has remained unsolved since 1947. I won't give you the details of the murder, i'll let you look that one up yourself. The movie only uses the murder more as a side story instead of the main story. The main story follows two LAPD cops as they investigate the murder and and one ultimately falls in love with the others girlfriend. With all star cast that includes Aaron Eckhart, Josh Hartnett, Hilary Swank, and Scarlett Johansson, this movie falls flat of what could have been a good movie. The only stand out performance in the entire film is that of Mia Kirshner who plays Elizabeth Short. Seen only in audition and sex tapes, Kirshner cares the movie with her minor role. The movie could and should have used a fake murder instead of relying on a historical murder. In the end they use a non existent suspect instead of one of the many potential suspects. I was definitely expected more since this is the only movie about the Black Dahlia. You might like this movie if you enjoy film noir or the video game L.A. Noir, which did a better job with the story, otherwise you will be very disappointed with the movie. Like i was. I will say this though Mia Kirshner deserved some kind of recognition from the Academy Awards. After all the biggest things she is known for is starring on The L-Word and as naked, bisexual assassin Mandy on 24. Also i have never found Hilary Swank to be pretty but i must admit she was very pretty in this movie. Instead of watching this movie i recommend you watch Gangs Of New York, which i haven't seen but is supposed to be really good. One last thing whats sad about this movie is that it is based off a book written by the same guy who wrote LA Confidential, which was a good movie. So watch that instead of Gangs of New York or watch both. But this one i gotta give 3.5/10.