UK Release: 15th September 2006
This adaptation of James Ellroy’s crime novel from Brian De Palma showcases all the director’s strengths, as well as some of his faults.
Loosely based on an actual unsolved murder case from the 1940s, this stylish movie sees tough-as-teak LA cops Bleichert (Josh Hartnett) and Blanchard (Aaron Eckhart) investigating the grisly demise of would-be actress Elizabeth Short. The trail leads to socialite Madeleine Linscott (Hilary Swank), a Short lookalike and member of one of the city’s wealthiest families. Meanwhile, Bleichert becomes involved with Blanchard’s glamorous wife (played by Scarlett Johansson).
The performances are uniformly strong, with Hartnett surprisingly good as the bewildered but basically decent gumshoe. Dante Ferretti’s sumptuous production design is atmospherically shot by veteran cinematographer Vilmos Z sigmond and De Palma delivers his trademark touches — complex camera shots, razor-sharp editing, labyrinthine plotting and deft nods to other film-makers.
De Palma’s enthusiasm doesn’t always extend to the humanity of his characters, but this is still a superior, deeply enjoyable piece of film-making from a director on top form.
****
UK cinema certificate 15
Running time 120mins
Review by Adam Smith
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