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Poster for The Black Dahlia

The Black Dahlia

Seen it?

2006 | 121 min | Crime, Thriller, Drama

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It won an Oscar, though it had a weak 5.6 out of 10 from audiences and middling reviews (32% on Rotten Tomatoes). A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for crime-drama fans and anyone who likes to be kept guessing. If you loved L.A. Confidential, start here.
The mood
Tense, dark and gritty.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 1 min.
What might put you off
Rated R: expect violence.

In 1940s Los Angeles, two former boxers-turned-cops must grapple with corruption, narcissism, stag films and family madness as they pursue the killer of an aspiring young actress.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsBelow par

    32% on Rotten Tomatoes, 49 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesWeak

    5.6 out of 10

  • AwardsStrong

    Won 1 Oscar: Academy Award: Best Cinematography. Also nominated for 1 more Oscar and 1 Venice award. Plus 2 other awards.. Plus: Nominated for 2 Razzies, the "worst of the year" awards.

  • Box office & staying powerSolid

    $80 million worldwide on a $50 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 198K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Brian De Palma

  • Josh HartnettBucky Bleichert
  • Scarlett JohanssonKay Lake
  • Aaron EckhartLee Blanchard
  • Hilary SwankMadeleine Linscott
  • Mia KirshnerElizabeth Short
  • Mike StarrRuss Millard
  • Fiona ShawRamona Linscott
  • Patrick FischlerEllis Loew
  • James OtisDolph Bleichert
  • John KavanaghEmmett Linscott