Official Black Dahlia Comment Thread

**Bill5461** · 09-14-2006, 04:06 PM

The movie opens Friday...are you planning to see it? and when you do see it could you please give your comments, reviews here:

oh, here a couple pics:

BlackWolf · 09-14-2006, 09:53 PM

With a spoiler warning of course

Thanks for the pics Bill.

**MSFixR** · 09-15-2006, 05:10 PM

The reviews for The Black Dahlia are not very encouraging.

Todd McCarthy writing in Variety.com says “A literally ripping good yarn is undercut by some lackluster performances and late-inning overripe melodrama”. He goes on to say that “Hartnett is too blank and expressionless to carry the picture; he narrates and is almost constantly on view, but offers little nuance or depth.” ”Although she looks properly in period, Johansson also is weak, evoking little of the requisite vulnerability in a damaged woman who keeps the reasons for her hurt, and her real emotional impulses, deeply submerged.”

Staci Wilson writing in About.com says “Josh Hartnett doesn't have the gravitas for this world-weary character.” and “Scarlett Johansson is beautiful, but Kay (her character) exudes dull confusion throughout the film.” Yet she concludes her review saying “The Black Dahlia is recommended for fans of this cinematic ilk — it's easily De Palma's best film in ten years.”

Harper Barnes writing in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch gives the film a C- saying “The Black Dahlia is so muddled and disconnected and almost laughably uneven in tone that it ends up a major disappointment.”

I’m sure glad I don’t put stock in what the critics say. I went to the matinee this afternoon (9/15/06). It was sparsely attended. My first reaction to the film as a whole is that too much has been squeezed into 121 minutes. While the cinematography and sets are beautiful there is too much noir in this film noir. I only partially agree with the critics’ assessment of the lead actors. All of the principals gave credible performances particularly Aaron Eckhart and Hilary Swank. Fiona Shaw also shone, if briefly. Scarlett Johansson and Josh Hartnett gave slightly more than adequate performances. She has done better; I’m not that familiar with his work. I guess since they are lovers in real life, I expected some sparks which did not enkindle. One word of caution, this film has its violent and bloody moments almost qualifying as a slasher flick. Overall I’m satisfied that I got my $6.75 worth and I rate the film 8/10.

**Bill5461** · 09-15-2006, 08:56 PM

In most cases, with my taste, if the critics don't like it I end up liking it. I know I won't get to see it this weekend though, so I'm relying on you guys

**Plastic Flute** · 09-15-2006, 10:49 PM

Me to Bill, Im the same way. Of course I totally loved Josh..like I said in Joshtopia..Scarlett was just so so...

**Bill5461** · 09-16-2006, 06:26 AM

From what I've been reading, it's mostly 2-1 thumbs down. These are from people who've seen the movie, not critics.

yanjonm · 09-16-2006, 10:18 PM

It was very hard to follow, and I was expecting a movie about the actual case. Instead, I felt it was pushed to the back. Then again, this was based on the novel.

If you want your dose of Scarlett, then check this movie out. Otherwise, I would wait until it comes out on DVD.

**Bill5461** · 09-18-2006, 06:48 AM

Weekend box office numbers are in, Black Dahlia came in second with 10.4 million.

**MSFixR** · 09-18-2006, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill5461

Weekend box office numbers are in, Black Dahlia came in second with 10.4 million.

Well it could have been worse. What came in first and with what receipts? Ten million for a non-holiday, non-summer weekend isn't spectacular but its not chopped liver either.

09-18-2006, 12:24 PM

I am sorry to say that this was Scarlett's worst film and I know she is an awesome actress! I mean she was great in Match Point and in The Island(both were about 100 times better then the Black Dhalia)

She really had no point I am sorry to say. The movie was bloated and seemed like a joke at times. It should have been treated with the love and care like LA Confidential was. Then we could have seen Scarlett shine, hell even Curtis Hanson should have directed this film.

**Jocasta** · 09-18-2006, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSFixR

Well it could have been worse. What came in first and with what receipts? Ten million for a non-holiday, non-summer weekend isn't spectacular but its not chopped liver either.

The Dahlia was #1 for screen averages. Go here for the full figures.

**MSFixR** · 09-18-2006, 01:15 PM

IMDb reports that the budget was $50,000,000. If opening weekend is the best the film will do, they might not even break even unless it does better in other parts of the world.

09-18-2006, 01:47 PM

I doubt it will break even, with the bad word of mouth already starting to flow!

**Bill5461** · 09-18-2006, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSFixR

What came in first and with what receipts?

"Gridiron Gang"..that football movie with The Rock..15 million

**Jocasta** · 09-18-2006, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill5461

"Gridiron Gang"..that football movie with The Rock..15 million

At more screens than TBD, though. Receipts maybe better in Europe where De Palma is appreciated more. It certainly wasn't panned at Venice and Deauville.

**MSFixR** · 09-18-2006, 03:15 PM

Well, maybe the director's cut will come out with about fifteen more minutes of development right before the end.

**Jocasta** · 09-18-2006, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSFixR

Well, maybe the director's cut will come out with about fifteen more minutes of development right before the end.

I'm hoping for the extra hour that got cut and for it to be in cinemas, not just on DVD.

**MSFixR** · 09-18-2006, 03:33 PM

There's always hope, Jocasta.

**Bill5461** · 09-18-2006, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSFixR

Well, maybe the director's cut will come out with about fifteen more minutes of development right before the end.

Any chance of finding nude scenes?....We'll it's good to hope

**MSFixR** · 09-18-2006, 05:27 PM

I'd just settle for some continuity.

09-14-2006, 04:06 PM	#1 (permalink)
Bill5461 Scarlett Mod Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Upstate New York Posts: 13,337 My Profile	Official Black Dahlia Comment Thread The movie opens Friday...are you planning to see it? and when you do see it could you please give your comments, reviews here: oh, here a couple pics:

09-15-2006, 05:10 PM	#3 (permalink)
MSFixR Moderate Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Dante's Inferno, Circle 5 Posts: 10,214 My Profile	The Black Dahlia - A Review The reviews for The Black Dahlia are not very encouraging. Todd McCarthy writing in Variety.com says “A literally ripping good yarn is undercut by some lackluster performances and late-inning overripe melodrama”. He goes on to say that “Hartnett is too blank and expressionless to carry the picture; he narrates and is almost constantly on view, but offers little nuance or depth.” ”Although she looks properly in period, Johansson also is weak, evoking little of the requisite vulnerability in a damaged woman who keeps the reasons for her hurt, and her real emotional impulses, deeply submerged.” Staci Wilson writing in About.com says “Josh Hartnett doesn't have the gravitas for this world-weary character.” and “Scarlett Johansson is beautiful, but Kay (her character) exudes dull confusion throughout the film.” Yet she concludes her review saying “The Black Dahlia is recommended for fans of this cinematic ilk — it's easily De Palma's best film in ten years.” Harper Barnes writing in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch gives the film a C- saying “The Black Dahlia is so muddled and disconnected and almost laughably uneven in tone that it ends up a major disappointment.” I’m sure glad I don’t put stock in what the critics say. I went to the matinee this afternoon (9/15/06). It was sparsely attended. My first reaction to the film as a whole is that too much has been squeezed into 121 minutes. While the cinematography and sets are beautiful there is too much noir in this film noir. I only partially agree with the critics’ assessment of the lead actors. All of the principals gave credible performances particularly Aaron Eckhart and Hilary Swank. Fiona Shaw also shone, if briefly. Scarlett Johansson and Josh Hartnett gave slightly more than adequate performances. She has done better; I’m not that familiar with his work. I guess since they are lovers in real life, I expected some sparks which did not enkindle. One word of caution, this film has its violent and bloody moments almost qualifying as a slasher flick. Overall I’m satisfied that I got my $6.75 worth and I rate the film 8/10.

09-14-2006, 09:53 PM	#2 (permalink)
BlackWolf Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 28,116 My Profile	With a spoiler warning of course Thanks for the pics Bill.

09-15-2006, 08:56 PM	#4 (permalink)
Bill5461 Scarlett Mod Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Upstate New York Posts: 13,337 My Profile	In most cases, with my taste, if the critics don't like it I end up liking it. I know I won't get to see it this weekend though, so I'm relying on you guys

09-15-2006, 10:49 PM	#5 (permalink)
Plastic Flute ICHiBAN HoOT Join Date: May 2006 Location: New Jersey Posts: 14,322 My Profile	Me to Bill, Im the same way. Of course I totally loved Josh..like I said in Joshtopia..Scarlett was just so so...

09-16-2006, 06:26 AM	#6 (permalink)
Bill5461 Scarlett Mod Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Upstate New York Posts: 13,337 My Profile	From what I've been reading, it's mostly 2-1 thumbs down. These are from people who've seen the movie, not critics.

09-16-2006, 10:18 PM	#7 (permalink)
yanjonm Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: New York City Posts: 1,448 My Profile	It was very hard to follow, and I was expecting a movie about the actual case. Instead, I felt it was pushed to the back. Then again, this was based on the novel. If you want your dose of Scarlett, then check this movie out. Otherwise, I would wait until it comes out on DVD.

09-18-2006, 06:48 AM	#8 (permalink)
Bill5461 Scarlett Mod Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Upstate New York Posts: 13,337 My Profile	Weekend box office numbers are in, Black Dahlia came in second with 10.4 million.

09-18-2006, 12:24 PM	#10 (permalink)
PJYfan Guest Posts: n/a	I am sorry to say that this was Scarlett's worst film and I know she is an awesome actress! I mean she was great in Match Point and in The Island(both were about 100 times better then the Black Dhalia) She really had no point I am sorry to say. The movie was bloated and seemed like a joke at times. It should have been treated with the love and care like LA Confidential was. Then we could have seen Scarlett shine, hell even Curtis Hanson should have directed this film.

09-18-2006, 01:15 PM	#12 (permalink)
MSFixR Moderate Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Dante's Inferno, Circle 5 Posts: 10,214 My Profile	IMDb reports that the budget was $50,000,000. If opening weekend is the best the film will do, they might not even break even unless it does better in other parts of the world.

09-18-2006, 01:47 PM	#13 (permalink)
PJYfan Guest Posts: n/a	I doubt it will break even, with the bad word of mouth already starting to flow!

09-18-2006, 03:15 PM	#16 (permalink)
MSFixR Moderate Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Dante's Inferno, Circle 5 Posts: 10,214 My Profile	Well, maybe the director's cut will come out with about fifteen more minutes of development right before the end.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

09-18-2006, 03:33 PM	#18 (permalink)
MSFixR Moderate Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Dante's Inferno, Circle 5 Posts: 10,214 My Profile	There's always hope, Jocasta.

09-18-2006, 05:27 PM	#20 (permalink)
MSFixR Moderate Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Dante's Inferno, Circle 5 Posts: 10,214 My Profile	I'd just settle for some continuity.