Watch The Black Dahlia

The Black Dahlia is a 2006 thriller directed by Brian De Palma, based on James Ellroy's novel of the same name. The movie is set in post-WWII Los Angeles and revolves around the murder of a young woman who becomes known as the Black Dahlia. The movie begins with aspiring boxer Lee Blanchard (Aaron Eckhart) and his partner, Bucky Bleichert (Josh Hartnett) working as police officers. They are investigating a diner robbery when they come across a poster featuring Elizabeth Short (Mia Kirshner), a young woman who has just been reported missing. They are intrigued by the case and soon form a bond over their shared desire to solve it.

As the investigation progresses, they become embroiled in a complex web of corruption, betrayal, and desire. Lee's relationship with his girlfriend, Kay Lake (Scarlett Johansson), becomes strained as he becomes increasingly obsessed with the case. Meanwhile, Bucky begins a dalliance with the enigmatic Madeleine Linscott (Hilary Swank), daughter of a powerful tycoon.

As they delve deeper into the case, they encounter a cast of characters, each with their own secrets and motivations. There's Emmett Linscott (John Kavanagh), Madeleine's father, who is hiding a long history of sexual abuse, and Kay, who is keeping her own secrets from Lee. Through it all, they remain determined to uncover the truth about Elizabeth's murder.

The Black Dahlia is a dark, atmospheric movie that explores the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles in the aftermath of WWII. Brian De Palma masterfully uses the city's iconic landmarks to create a sense of place and time, while the moody cinematography and haunting score add to the film's noirish tone.

The movie is anchored by strong performances from the main cast. Josh Hartnett plays Bucky with a quiet intensity that draws the viewer into his character's struggles. Aaron Eckhart is equally compelling as Lee, a man haunted by his past and consumed by the need to solve this case. Scarlett Johansson brings depth to her performance as Kay, a woman caught up in a dangerous world.

The supporting cast is equally impressive. Hilary Swank is magnetic as Madeleine, a femme fatale with a tragic past. Mia Kirshner makes a brief but memorable appearance as Elizabeth, the victim at the center of the mystery.

One of the film's strengths is its attention to detail. The production design and costume department have created a rich, authentic world that immerses the viewer in the post-war era. The script does a good job of balancing the procedural aspects of the investigation with the character development, allowing the audience to become invested in the outcome of the story.

Overall, The Black Dahlia is a dark, stylish thriller that will appeal to fans of classic film noir. While it may not be for everyone, those who appreciate the genre will find much to enjoy in this atmospheric, expertly crafted movie.

The Black Dahlia is a 2006 crime movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 2 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6 and a MetaScore of 49.