From the page to the screen: The Black Dahlia

The Black Dahlia was easily one of the worst film adaptations in recent memory as entire scenes were altered and the story was left as an incoherent mess. In this feature we’ll explore the two mediums and why one was inferior to the other.
The Book
James Ellroy wrote the book in 1987 and was part of his Hollywood trilogy which included L.A. Confidential. Ellroy wrote a dark, suspenseful tale of obsession and the seedy underbelly of Hollywood. The book centers around the mysterious murder of Elizabeth Short aka The Black Dahlia, which became one of the most notorious unsolved murders in the state’s history. Obsession is a topic that been covered a lot because it can total change a person, derailing his train of thought and eventually control his or her very own mind. In the well-thought out pages we see the effect of this case through the eyes of two detectives. The detectives are two different people from very distant circumstances and this helps to create a duality in viewpoints. Readers are allowed to see the case unfold from both “Bucky” and “Lee”’s standpoint as each approaches the murder differently. The book is blessed with very witty and revealing dialogue that not only entices but keeps the reader connected to the story. Overall the book succeeds at weaving a web that is alluring and impossible to resist.

The Film
On the surface, The Black Dahlia appears to be a great film: snazzy trailer, Brian De Palma directing and a notable cast toplined by two-time Academy Award winner Hilary Swank. However, underneath all the gloss is a mangled screenplay and scattershot direction. The film sinks because it takes far too many creative liberties from its source material. It understandable to change minor details or leave out particular scenes but to change entire scenes and character traits is unforgivable. On top of a poor script are even duller performances as everyone of the cast members suddenly forgot how to convey emotions. Swank, Josh Harnett and Scarlett Johansson deliver some of their respective career low points in this film and the audiences are even hinted that even the actors know this is a monstrous mess. The one exception was a satisfying performance from Aaron Eckhart as Lee. This entire flick is an exercise of style over substance but in extreme excess as all that remains is style with not even a sliver of intelligence. The film fails in every possible way to do its superior source material any justice.

Undetected: Donnie Darko

This feature will highlight good/enjoyable films that may have gone unnoticed to the mainstream public. Once again, I ask that those reading this post feel free to comment leaving suggestion and concepts for further installments.

Why is it important?
Donnie Darko is not really important, but instead it is an intriguing work of cinematic art. Director Richard Kelly creates character with vibrant and unique personality traits which audiences can identify with throughout the film’s bizarre series of events. We are emersed into a world that seems like our own, but is just a bit more complex. The film also boasts some of the most memorable one-liners and a plethora of hilarious concepts. Donnie Darko is a film that really does offer something for everyone from humor to science fiction to action.

What is it about?
The movie follows Donnie (Jake Gyllenhaal)’s strange visions and his relationship with Frank the rabbit. I know that at first glance the plot sounds like something straight out of a horror B-movie from the 1950s, but all the other elements (stellar cast, witty script, etc.) aid in helping make the transition into the world of a disturbed teen. He has 28 days until “the world ends” and he must unravel several abstract clues to find a way to keep Frank’s prophecy from coming true. It is a hard sell but with overwhelming positive reviews there is no way you leave unhappy, maybe a bit confused. But it will all be worth after this satisfying ride through a mind so perplexing you’ll be glad its not yours.

Who is in it?
The cast includes Jena Malone, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Patrick Swayze, Noah Wyle and Drew Barrymore. The ensemble all put forth wonderfully rich performances, working to give their characters an identifiable life of their own. The main draw here is a young, pre-Brokeback Mountain Gyllenhaal who is spectacular going from innocent to demented in a matter of moments. His performances make Donnie more than just a typical, troubled teen and brings much needed believability to the title role.

Final Thought…
Donnie Darko is hard to lump into one category because of its broad range of topics but one thing is certain, this is one hell of a movie. Though not all the questions are answered, the journey from point a to point b is enjoyable enough that you don’t care if those pesky questions are ever answered.
Here are two short scenes from Donnie Darko: