The Black Dahlia Haunting

I had the good fortune of attending the ShockFest Film Festival on Nov 16, 2012 and watched the new film The Black Dahlia Haunting. I enjoy a good scare, and usually settle in at night with a good horror movie although I also can get absorbed when watching a supernatural thriller. I also happen to enjoy retrospective accounts of notable infamous events. Imagine my surprise to see all three delivered simultaneously with confidence by the film's writer and director, Brandon Slagle. In less capable hands the script could have become convoluted but Slagle helmed the project successfully.

Since I have been a paranormal researcher for many years, I was curious to see how that aspect of the story would be handled. One of the film's stars, Britt Griffith, is an actual paranormal investigator and has no doubt seen how a haunting can affect those who live with discarnate personalities. I have known Britt for several years, and was curious to see his portrayal of Dr. Owen, one of the key characters in the movie. His pivotal role required a range that any performer would see as a challenge and he rose to the occasion.

In fact, each of the cast members did admirable jobs and I could not help but notice that as the movie neared it's climax, some in the audience began to gasp and some people seemed frozen in their seats. The movie has a story that at times moved some people to tears, and prompted others to cover their eyes. There are some plot twist I didn't see coming, and some scenes could be seared into your memory. Alexis Iacono's performance as Elizabeth Short reminds us that at the center of ghost story is an unforgettable spirit.

This movie just did zero for my taste. I love mysteries having to do with true crimes. And as another bonus, it happened in the 1940's, and it went unsolved. The film could not get my interest. It was nasty acting, low budget, poor sound, corny script. Sorry, not worth my time.

I was lost in the beginning. It was too slow getting to the main part of the story. Amazing lead actress. Not a lot of gore so for those of you that have a sensitive stomach you'll make it through to the end. A lot of dark scenes in this story. But a good ghost story shouldn't be all rainbows and unicorns. I never did see The Black Dahlia movie so I can't really compare or understand completely the plot. All I know is be afraid of ghosts because they will find a way to hurt you. Devanny made a great man-hating bitch. The ending was a bit predictable. Didn't keep me guessing. I'd consider this mild violence, although it did allow the audience to use their imagination on exactly what was being done. No overkill on the blood whatsoever. Horror isn't always just blood baths and body parts.

I was able to see the preview of the Black Dalia Haunting recently and was impressed by the story line. When I first started watching, I was a bit confused by some of the characters and how they tied into the movie, but with every good horror flick, it is when it all comes together that you have your eureka moment! When I can figure out the story up until the ending from the beginning, it is predictable, but when it all just gels together suddenly...it makes the story intriguing! One scene that added a special character touch was a simple scene in the bathroom where the mirror was split and showed the person in both sides, which simply added a touch of Hitchcock, what I thought. Overall, the movie had some very creepy scenes. I enjoyed it!

I was privileged to able to catch a viewing of the Black Dahlia Haunting this past weekend at the Stanley Hotel. This is a wonderful independent film. Suspenseful and disturbing in all the right places . Haunting visual images that leave a very vivid lasting impression in your mind. It is evident the writer did his research thoroughly and stuck to the facts of the main story very closely(location of events, grotesque torture details,background of characters) and then added a few unexpected twists and turns that will keep you on edge. The movie has a solid story line along with great character development. Sadly this movie is based on the true Black Dahlia case that occurred in California in 1947.