The Black Dahlia review

I got to go out and see The Black Dahlia the other night even though the latest from Brian DePalma had been getting less than positive reviews. I actually enjoyed it and I don't know if that was due to the low expectations I had or that fact that I wanted to like it. Either way, I liked it and I couldn't quite see what everyone didn't like about the film.
Be forewarned, there is not a lot of time actually spent on the investigation of the murder of Elizabeth Short. The film actually is buddy cop movie starring Josh Hartnett and Aaron Eckhart, oh yeah and Scarlett Johanson is in it too, but really she's not that noticeable. Hilary Swank actually stands out here, as does Mia Kirshner, in her few scenes as the doomed 'Dahlia'. Eventually we do get a conclusion about the murder that ties everyone involved in the story to the crime.
This film is full of allusions and homages to other films, DePalma's included. Watch for scenes that immediately make you think of The Untouchables and Carrie. Also there are many references to a 1928 silent film called The Man Who Laughs. The James Ellroy apparently has this theme also. So, throughout The Black Dahlia we see clips from the 1928 film, references to Victor Hugo (author of the original novel), even clown paintings scattered in key locations. The only thing I knew about The Man Who Laughs before seeing The Black Dahlia was that the film version has been cited as an inspiration for the character of The Joker from the comic book universe.
Hartnett, Swank and Eckhart are all good in their acting turns and DePalma is in fine form here, even though he took over production from David Fincher. If you like crime stories from this era or Brian DePalma films, than The Black Dahlia is for you.