Brian De Palma's handsome adaptation of James Ellroy's feverish novel, which uses the notorious "Black Dahlia" murder case to explore a seething, CHINATOWN-like stew of Southern California ambition, hypocrisy and dream-shattering sleaze, is a ludicrous mishmash undermined by ghastly performances and a hopelessly convoluted screenplay. Los Angeles, 1946: Veteran LAPD detective Leland Blanchard (Aaron Eckhart) and younger officer Dwight "Bucky" Bleichert (Josh Hartnett) are recruited by an ambitious district attorney for a PR stunt designed to drum up public support for an unpopular bond issue. Both officers boxed before they joined the force, and agree to participate...
Released:
2006
Rated:
R
Length:
121 mins