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Title: The book was better. Actually, any book is better
Review: Intensely boring and tedious interpretation of James Ellroy's fictional account of the most notorious murder in L.A. history and the lives it damaged is directed by Brian de Palma and is easily his worst effort. Chock full of camp and unintentionally laugh-out-loud moments, The Black Dahlia is more melodrama than gripping character study or murder mystery yarn. The actors flounder, overact, spew forth inane dialogue and try to look and sound "noir" to no avail. The story moves along like a slug. What was that earthquake scene about? There's not enough Betty Short to justify the title. Is this thing called "The Black Dahlia" or "Bore Me To Tears"? The book was taut and fast-paced and fun. The movie is none of those things.
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