Based on the novel by James Ellroy, director Brian De Palma's THE BLACK DAHLIA stars Josh Hartnett and Aaron Eckhart as a pair of LAPD detectives assigned to the most notorious murder in Hollywood history.
De Palma takes things slow, spending a good 20 minutes establishing the relationship between Bucky Bleichert, Lee Blanchard, and their mutual love Kay (Scarlett Johanssen), before introducing the 1947 murder after which the film is named.
The film follows two detectives in 1940s Los Angeles as they investigate the murder of Elizabeth Short (Mia Kirshner), nicknamed by the press as the Black Dahlia. In a subplot, the two detectives are caught in a love triangle with Kay Lake (Scarlett Johansson).
Blanchard and Bleichert become obsessed with the murder and it gradually consumes their lives. In an environment of corruption and lies, Bucky discloses hidden truths.
It was said the “The Black Dahlia” may not be perfect but it's a bravura cinematic statement from the 66 year old filmmaker with a string of memorable, tough and gritty films to his credit, ranging from films like Carrie (1976) through Scarface (1983) to The Untouchables (1987).
The movie crams every subplot from Ellroy's novel into two hours, but only connects them towards the end of the movie.
In addition to the main stars, the film co- stars Hilary Swank as Madeleine Linscott, Rachel Miner as Martha Linscott, Mia Kirshner as Elizabeth Ann Short/The Black Dahlia, Rose McGowan as Sheryl Saddon, Mike Starr as Russ Millard, William Finley as Georgie Tilden and Fiona Shaw as Ramona Linscott
The film, which runs for 122 minutes, was released in 2006.