The Devil's Muse

January. 16,2007      
Rating:
4
Trailer Synopsis Cast

A stark look at one of Hollywood's darkest mysteries, The Black Dalia (Elizabeth Short) Murder.

Kristen Kerr as  Lisa Small / Elizabeth Short
Trent Haaga as  Red / Bobby Manley
Sarah Scott as  Grace
Cinqué Lee as  Joe
Masuimi Max as  Masuimi
Julie Strain as  Julie
Will Keenan as  Buster Keaton
Jed Rowen as  Louie
Lloyd Kaufman as  Lisa's Father
Bianca Allaine as  Rose (as Bianca Barnett)

Reviews

AnhartLinkin
2007/01/16

This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

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Guillelmina
2007/01/17

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

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Fleur
2007/01/18

Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.

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Billy Ollie
2007/01/19

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

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mrcheminee
2007/01/20

This is actually one of the strangest and most bizarre movies i've ever seen. A horrorstory woven into a dream, made of short arty scenes and a fantastic soundtrack made by David J (Bauhaus) and Ego Plum.I don't know a movie to compare this with, thought it reminded me of some movies. The movies that came to my mind were 'the naked breakfast'(because of the surrealism) and pink Floyd - the Wall (because of the music-picture combination). If you like arty films, this movie will blow your mind. But if you're just looking for a nasty horrorslasher, look further, you won't find it in this movie.Don't expect a predictable story, expect a dream from which you can't wake up till the end of the movie.

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gavin6942
2007/01/21

An unforgettable journey into the darkness and mystery of Hollywood's most famous unsolved murder case. When the beautiful Lisa Small (Kristen Kerr) gets the chance to play the tragic victim of the crime, Elizabeth Short, an entire dreamworld awakens all around her. All the while, a killer is on the loose collecting women and killing them in time for the 60th anniversary of the original murder. A spider's web grows around Lisa, as her nightmares and desires intersect. As Lisa delves deeper into her script, she propels herself into living out the last days of the Black Dahlia.Sadly, my review for "The Devil's Muse" can only be considered preliminary, as the promotional copy I received was scratched. Once I clean it, I will make a new review. However, I did catch some parts of the film and can make general statements on it. As I have nothing bad to say about the film, let me point out three things that really struck me as winners.First, the soundtrack will hit you in the face with its ominous tones and soul-crushing morbidity. David J of Bauhaus is behind this, and there couldn't have been a better composer for this. Sure, some lesser known bands or some old classic tracks could have worked, but the score here is noticeable. The movie comes with a bonus soundtrack CD, and I think this was a brilliant idea. Bauhaus fans who have little interest in the film would likely still find the tunes worthwhile.Second, the visuals are stunning and pure art. From what scenes I was able to see, the plot is second-tier to the visuals. Not to say the story isn't important, but clearly the movie is meant to look good first and foremost. And, like the soundtrack, they succeeded. It has a surreal haze that may take viewers a few minutes to adjust to... these aren't your father's rose-tinted glasses.Third, the cast is something that stands out as unique. That may not be enough to draw everyone in, but it piqued my interest. I mean... Gidget Gein? That's a name I don't often hear anymore. Trent Haaga, cult film veteran. Penthouse Pet Julie Strain, also known to horror fans as the Bare Wench. Lloyd Kaufman and Will Keenan ("Tromeo and Juliet") also appear.Based on what I saw and heard, I am recommending this film. The average slasher fan may not be all excited about it... but the more cultured cinephile is going to eat this up like sorbet. If you can find a copy of this, pick it up... available wherever fine films are sold (or online courtesy of Halo 8).

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tallman_666
2007/01/22

Understand, this is not your typical Hollywood fare.There is no formulaic storyline or punchy tidy ending with a tacked on denouement. This is film-making at its finest level. A stunning and gorgeous take on the Elizabeth Short story that is more like a visual poem than the usual derivative narratives. The story is one of the most unique and original I've seen in quite some time. The cast is peppered with cameos from all manner of celebrities including musicians, models, artists and directors. The cast is lovely, the atmosphere writhes and the soundtrack is an integral part of the tale rather than a distraction.Did I mention the performance by the stunning Abby Travis?Ramzi Abed makes the world a happier place.

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catdaddy21870
2007/01/23

Great art is open ended, and such are the works of Ramzi Abed.Abed's films offer the viewer the opportunity to detach from them self and to escape this world for a little over an hour.Expect nothing when watching an Abed film and you will have everything.What can I say about The Black Dahlia Movie? I have no idea what that was going on during the film AND YET IT WAS AEWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How does that happen? How does a filmmaker take on us a journey with no clear destination and still entertain us? Perhaps it's best not to think too much about it, or life in general.Abed is a genius. Watch his films!

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