The Black Dahlia
Metascore
49 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 35 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 35
  3. Negative: 5 out of 35
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  1. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Michael Phillips
    38
    Doesn't provoke bittersweet inquiries regarding one poor actress' grisly fate. Nor does it stir up much provocation on the matter of why, as a popular audience, we're still taken with this lurid symbol of sex and dread and desire. Rather, the movie raises a much simpler question: Huh?
  2. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Maitland McDonagh
    38
    A ludicrous mishmash undermined by ghastly performances and a hopelessly convoluted screenplay.
  3. Film Threat
    Reviewed by: Pete Vonder Haar
    30
    It looks stylish, sure, but the script is laughable and the acting is ridiculous.
  4. Austin Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Marc Savlov
    30
    Forty-five minutes in, I was already glancing at my watch and wondering why the only lively actress in this film was playing the dead girl. Go figure.
  5. Slate
    Reviewed by: Dana Stevens
    30
    Even when engineering a howler like this, De Palma does it in such high style, with such a confident swagger, that the movie is half over before you realize how little is there.

User Reviews

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User Score
3.0 out of 10

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 125 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 75
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 75
  3. Negative: 58 out of 75
  1. RogerSmith97
    8
    As Of Now (4/24/11) I Have No Clue Why The User Score Is So Low.. This Is A Good Movie Overall. Yes I Can Say Some Spots Arent The Best.. But It Is A A+ Effort... Rose McGowan Does A Great Job.. The Acting Was OK... I Loved The Writing/Plot.. Overall 8!… Full Review »
  2. TimR.
    9
    I seemed to be the only person giving this a good review. I loved this film for the vintage noir feel it had to it and i thought it to be well acted and engaging. However i thought the ending left something to be desired and ultimately lacked the strength the rest of the movie had. In any case i enjoyed it.… Full Review »
  3. JamesA.
    0
    This movie would be worse than our Home Video. Dont waste time!!
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