The Devil's Muse

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.

I just watched this movie over the weekend and I must say that it was more than I expected. Exspecially after watching the two other "really bad" Black Dahlia movies. But I have to tell you Mr. Abed restored my faith. From the unconventional actors and actress' in the film to the way he shared the story of the Black Dahlia, he really pushed the envelope of violence, sex, and of course the infamous and murderous mystery of Elizabeth Short. This is a tale that carefully unravels surprisingly in the end. This it is not your typical 'scary film'. So be prepared to really think about violence..sex...and murder. Be prepared to be slightly turned on by this tale of Rhamzi Abed's Black Dahlia. It will leave you wanting more...and maybe a cigarette or two:)

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.

Any film that reaches a point of distribution has to be given a five...but I can't give it anymore than that...it lacks the single thing that makes a film watchable, a story about someone that needs to do something...this film has several stories in it, but it never makes it as an ensemble piece because of that very reason....who is it about, what do they need to do, what do they desire? Who's story am I watching...? Yes, I know a movie that doesn't follow that doesn't mean it's a bad film but it's a niche film, a film you watch not for the story but for another reason, the actors, the director, the locations...but the story has to be paramount...until you are David lynch, you can't make a David lynch film...

An unforgettable journey into the darkness and mystery of Hollywood's most famous unsolved murder case. When the beautiful Lisa Small (Kristen Kerr) gets the chance to play the tragic victim of the crime, Elizabeth Short, an entire dreamworld awakens all around her. All the while, a killer is on the loose collecting women and killing them in time for the 60th anniversary of the original murder. A spider's web grows around Lisa, as her nightmares and desires intersect. As Lisa delves deeper into her script, she propels herself into living out the last days of the Black Dahlia.

Sadly, my review for "The Devil's Muse" can only be considered preliminary, as the promotional copy I received was scratched. Once I clean it, I will make a new review. However, I did catch some parts of the film and can make general statements on it. As I have nothing bad to say about the film, let me point out three things that really struck me as winners.

First, the soundtrack will hit you in the face with its ominous tones and soul-crushing morbidity. David J of Bauhaus is behind this, and there couldn't have been a better composer for this. Sure, some lesser known bands or some old classic tracks could have worked, but the score here is noticeable. The movie comes with a bonus soundtrack CD, and I think this was a brilliant idea. Bauhaus fans who have little interest in the film would likely still find the tunes worthwhile.

Second, the visuals are stunning and pure art. From what scenes I was able to see, the plot is second-tier to the visuals. Not to say the story isn't important, but clearly the movie is meant to look good first and foremost. And, like the soundtrack, they succeeded. It has a surreal haze that may take viewers a few minutes to adjust to... these aren't your father's rose-tinted glasses.

Third, the cast is something that stands out as unique. That may not be enough to draw everyone in, but it piqued my interest. I mean... Gidget Gein? That's a name I don't often hear anymore. Trent Haaga, cult film veteran. Penthouse Pet Julie Strain, also known to horror fans as the Bare Wench. Lloyd Kaufman and Will Keenan ("Tromeo and Juliet") also appear.

Based on what I saw and heard, I am recommending this film. The average slasher fan may not be all excited about it... but the more cultured cinephile is going to eat this up like sorbet. If you can find a copy of this, pick it up... available wherever fine films are sold (or online courtesy of Halo 8).