A stark look at one of Hollywood's darkest mysteries, The Black Dalia (Elizabeth Short) Murder.
Reviews
Not to be confused with Ulli Lommel's unwatchable mess or the incomprehensible De Palma film, this is a decently shot and produced meditation on the price of fame and fortune in Lotus Land. The film uses the Black Dahlia as a springboard for a series of vignettes and haunted images of Hollywood's past. The cinematography is excellent and the cast is up for the challenge. You do not learn about the Black Dahlia crime from this film. The viewer is thrust into the shoes of a number of actresses searching for success with the Black Dahlia character as a backdrop. This stream of ideas is not for all tastes, but if you are in the mood, you will find this film rewarding.
Understand, this is not your typical Hollywood fare.There is no formulaic storyline or punchy tidy ending with a tacked on denouement. This is film-making at its finest level. A stunning and gorgeous take on the Elizabeth Short story that is more like a visual poem than the usual derivative narratives. The story is one of the most unique and original I've seen in quite some time. The cast is peppered with cameos from all manner of celebrities including musicians, models, artists and directors. The cast is lovely, the atmosphere writhes and the soundtrack is an integral part of the tale rather than a distraction.Did I mention the performance by the stunning Abby Travis?Ramzi Abed makes the world a happier place.
I just watched this movie over the weekend and I must say that it was more than I expected. Exspecially after watching the two other "really bad" Black Dahlia movies. But I have to tell you Mr. Abed restored my faith. From the unconventional actors and actress' in the film to the way he shared the story of the Black Dahlia, he really pushed the envelope of violence, sex, and of course the infamous and murderous mystery of Elizabeth Short. This is a tale that carefully unravels surprisingly in the end. This it is not your typical 'scary film'. So be prepared to really think about violence..sex...and murder. Be prepared to be slightly turned on by this tale of Rhamzi Abed's Black Dahlia. It will leave you wanting more...and maybe a cigarette or two:)
Great art is open ended, and such are the works of Ramzi Abed.Abed's films offer the viewer the opportunity to detach from them self and to escape this world for a little over an hour.Expect nothing when watching an Abed film and you will have everything.What can I say about The Black Dahlia Movie? I have no idea what that was going on during the film AND YET IT WAS AEWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How does that happen? How does a filmmaker take on us a journey with no clear destination and still entertain us? Perhaps it's best not to think too much about it, or life in general.Abed is a genius. Watch his films!