The Devil's Muse

Starring Kristin Kerr,Lizzie Strain & Julie Strain,Trent Haaga and Llloyd Kaufman. "Surreal Horror",An ignored Genre ? This Ramzi Abed film breaks down walls and formats and all filmaking rules ! I kept getting this nagging feeling while watching that I had seen Trent Haaga's character before,LIGHT BULB goes off : Herke Harvey as the spectre in CARNIVAL OF SOULS ('62).Trent keeps popping up in this Black Dahlia mystery and he has evil intentions,Usually. This is a good movie with SAW-like actions towards victims,great acting by all the cameos and Kristin Kerr is a modern day Elisabeth Short (With an almost Betty Page fetish tone). Lots of extras on this 2 disc set including making of and complete separate soundtrack.

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.

This is actually one of the strangest and most bizarre movies i've ever seen. A horrorstory woven into a dream, made of short arty scenes and a fantastic soundtrack made by David J (Bauhaus) and Ego Plum.

I don't know a movie to compare this with, thought it reminded me of some movies. The movies that came to my mind were 'the naked breakfast'(because of the surrealism) and pink Floyd - the Wall (because of the music-picture combination). If you like arty films, this movie will blow your mind. But if you're just looking for a nasty horrorslasher, look further, you won't find it in this movie.

Don't expect a predictable story, expect a dream from which you can't wake up till the end of the movie.

Please do not confuse this movie with the two other Black Dahlia's out there, or you will be really missing out.... This movie is packed full of surprising and unconventional stars...starting with the Black Dahlia herself...Kristen Kerr...Gidget Gein, who does an unbelievable job playing a detective, and Masuimi Max, who is so beautiful and who knew she was so convincing as an actress...and Julie Strain. I am not going to give away any details... all i am going to do is tell you to go see it... or you will be sorry you missed it. Ramzi Abed is a very creative director and i can not wait to see what he has coming next. I hope we do not have to wait too long for his next feature film.

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.