What's it all About? Set in 1940's America, two cops are hellbent on trying to solve a murder spree. As they become more obsessed with finding the killer their and dark secrets come to light, their personal lives start to unravel.
Best bits? The opening boxing match between our two heroes is brutal and exciting as is the tension created from the inevitable love triangle.
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| This guy's shooting at us |
Did it make you think thoughts? Man, I'm really starting to love the genre that is crime noir cinema. The waistcoats, hats and constant cigarette smoking paints a vivid picture of post war Americana. Eckhart is believable as Lee Blanchard who hides a troubled past beneath his buff macho exterior. Johansson sizzles as always as his femme fatale all husky and sultry. The third part of the main trifecta is Josh Hartnett an unfortunately he proves to be the weakest link. It's not that he's bad, far from it, he plays the well as the spunky young upstart, it's just that you wonder if he will be forever remembered for his teen based roles.
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| I know |
Even with a tight script, engaging story and good performances there are still some negatives. The scene in the lesbian club where half the women are dressed as men is a bit weird and unnecessary as is the scene filmed directly from the point of view of Bucky. Also, towards the end the twists and turns get ramped up and as more characters are introduced, the relationships and names become ever harder to follow resulting in a confusing mess.
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| You know that's bad for you? |
Would you watch it again? It did enough for me to want to give it another go.
Rating (out of 100%): I give The Black Dhalia a bullets 'n broads 75%
