The Black Dahlia Haunting

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 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.

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.

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.

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.