The Black Dahlia

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  • Opened September 15, 2006 
  • 1 hr 59 min
  • R | strong violence, some grisly images, sexual content and language
  • Parents: Common Sense Media says not for kids. More on child suitability

  • Two cops in 1940s Los Angeles investigate the shocking murder of a Hollywood starlet. One, Lee Blanchard (Aaron Eckhart), puts his marriage in jeopardy by obsessing over the crime, while the other, Bucky Bleichert (Josh Hartnett), becomes involved with a woman (Hilary Swank) from a prominent family, who happens to have an unsavory tie to the victim. Based on the novel by James Ellroy. Full synopsis

  • Cast: Josh Hartnett, Scarlett Johansson, Aaron Eckhart, Hilary Swank, Mia Kirshner
  • Director: Brian De Palma
  • Genres: Suspense/Thriller

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Fans say No
1 fans
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So-so
Critics say So-So
49 out of 100
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Critic Reviews

70
The Hollywood Reporter
| Kirk Honeycutt

The second half feels heavy and unfulfilled, potential greatness reduced to a good movie plagued with problems. Read full review

67
Entertainment Weekly
| Owen Gleiberman

The film is more than a little in love with the corruption it finds under the floorboards -- and that, of course, is perfectly dandy. I wouldn't trust a film noir that wasn't enthralled by decadence. Read full review

63
Philadelphia Inquirer
| Carrie Rickey

The film's atmosphere is incendiary. It has style to burn. But for the most part, the performances are all wet. Read full review

63
New York Post
| Lou Lumenick

If this overcooked version of James Ellroy’s novel - inspired by a famous 1947 Los Angeles murder - is less than fully satisfying or even believable storytelling and acting, it’s still possible to get a kick out of this fever dream loaded with eye candy. Read full review

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