The Black Dahlia Haunting

I had the great pleasure of meeting some of the cast members before seeing the film's premiere a short while ago. While the temptation is there to say nice things because of that, I find there's no need, as I walked away with nice things to say anyway, and false compliments do no one any favors. What may draw many to the movie, is the acting debut of Britt Griffith. If you recognize that name, it's because he is a regular in the SyFy Networks television hit "Ghost Hunters". I'm proud to report he did an amazing job, not awkward or over-rehearsed or anything like that. He's a natural, and his Character really pulls you in. The Female Lead, Devanny Pinn, also stunning, goes through changes in the film that, while subtle, have actions that speak louder than words, and ultimately employs some empathy for her Character. It's hard to speak about the plot of the film without giving too much away, and the viewer should go see this film without expectation, for the ultimate experience. Either way, the viewer SHOULD go see the film. Best thing about this film is its Direction. Brandon Slagle gives us a brilliant re-imagining of occurrences regarding the infamous Elizabeth Short murder in 1940's Los Angeles, aka the Black Dahlia, and how consequences still permeate through current times. Some of the understated images, and Character interpretation speak loudly. This film is graceful, elegant, dark, and stays with you long after viewing. It is truly a diamond-in-the-rough, and sets what should be a new tone for Horror. Definitely worth seeing, but you might want to keep the kids away. A 9 of 10 from me.

Relatives from the Black Dahlia case become possessed by their ghosts to re-enact deadly events.

A girl seeking her estranged blind brother after her father dies, leads her to a psychopathic psychiatrist in Los Angeles. Complements on the thorny vines tattoos armwraps. Marilyn Monroe to-be Norma Jean features herein as Elizabeth Short's friend.

Of note, the majority of the film takes place in and around the dreaded Cecil Hotel where she frequented, with a scene at the actual murder spot on S. Norton Ave. Between W. 39th & Coliseum Streets in Leimert Park.

The original perpetrator is played by Monster Man horror prop master Cleve Hall, making a great villain. Overall, pretty good psychological horror. In the end, justice is indeed blind.

Director Brandon Slagle is an indie filmmaker with a long list of credits, most of which are competently made and offer something--cinematography, fascinating visuals, gutsy subjects for small budget films-to hold viewer interest. An overarching tendency is to take existing properties or narratives and put his own unique spin on them. Other efforts include takes on Charles Manson and the Amityville Horror. Here, he chooses the unlikely story of Elizabeth Short, a young woman murdered in post WWII Hollywood whose unsolved murder has become the stuff of legend, so much so that most of what is passed off as fact about the tragic femme is in fact, fiction. Slagle weaves together several ideas that no one has linked to Short, namely that her vengeful spirit possesses the living to exact her revenge and that a pre-fame Marilyn Monroe was her friend. These concepts are cobbled together with some sort of story about a young girl arriving in Hollywood to sort out the death of her father at the hands of her blind half-brother. It doesn't make a lick of sense, but it doesn't have to, as most people watching have no idea who Elizabeth Short was. This seems to be an effort by Slagle to piggyback on an existing narrative, even if that narrative wouldn't resonate with most viewers. The film seems poorly paced; some judicious editing would tighten things up considerably. Slagle also takes liberties with the main elephant in the room: Short's murderer. Despite numerous writers, detectives, and others making claims as to who the killer was, the case is still officially open. Slagle's implication that Short was somehow complicit in her own death due to some liking for S&M is sleazy and distasteful. Erratic, jumbled, and ugly. Pass, pass, pass!

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.

The Black Dahlia Haunting is no big budget movie, that was obvious from the start, but that is precisely why you should see it. Filmmakers who want, no need, to create find a way with like minded people who will stop at nothing to make movies. The outcome here is amazing and yet simplistic, which is very pleasing to the eye. Mission accomplished. This of is a film chocked full of talent and revenge in many incarnations. It was satisfying from the start although the build up is what you want, right? I had no idea what to expect when I sat down to watch it and I'm glad I didn't because I did not see the plot before it unfolded. This is one hard task to accomplish since so many movies these days are overrun with foreshadowing and needless clues. I enjoyed the acting particularly as these actors bought in to their roles with heart and soul. The directing prowess of Brandon Slagle "Malcolm" brought a micro budget film to life or death in this case with the precision of a surgeon. Nothing was wasted in his efforts. I, like you, am fully fascinated with the mystery surrounding Elizabeth Short and this film helped quench my thirst in the horror movie that could. Bravo!