The Devil's Muse (2007)

User Rating:

5.2/10   

Director:

Ramzi Abed

Writer:

Ramzi Abed (writer)

Release Date:

2008 (UK)

Genre:

Crime | Horror | Mystery | Thriller

Tagline:

Hollywood murders women.

Plot:

An unforgettable journey into the darkness and mystery of Hollywood's most famous unsolved murder case...

Plot Keywords:

Murder | Black Dahlia | Hollywood | Torture | Role Playing

Cast

Kristen Kerr	...	Lisa Small / Elizabeth Short
Lizzy Strain	...	Lizzy Strain / Elizabeth Short
Trent Haaga	...	Red / Bobby Manley
Sarah Scott	...	Grace
Cinqué Lee	...	Joe
Amie Nicole	...	Jeanette Bauer
Masuimi Max	...	Masuimi
Gidget Gein	...	Detective Jeffrey Mourir
Julie Strain	...	Julie
Robert Williams	...	Dr. John Rozzell
Courtney Cruz	...	Lillian Lavey
Lenora Claire	...	Lenora
Mark Borchardt	...	Floyd
Dame Darcy	...	Anna
Jeannine Petterson	...	Red's Wife

Also Known As:

Black Dahlia (USA) (working title)
Black Dahlia Movie: The Elizabeth Short Story (USA) (working title)
Untitled Ramzi Abed Project (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

USA:105 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White | Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Filming Locations:

Burbank, California, USA

Company:

Bloodshot Pictures

Trivia:

The film has changed its title five times, finally staying with "The Devil's Muse" to disconnect itself from all of the other films that refer to the Black Dahlia murder case by name.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Make Your Own Damn Movie! (2005) (V)

A Visually Stunning Film

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).