The Black Dahlia

The Black Dahlia

Year: 2006

Runtime: 121 min

Language: English

Director: Brian De Palma

DramaHistoryMysteryThrillerRomanceCrime

In 1940s Los Angeles, two detectives investigate the disturbing murder of a rising Hollywood starlet. As they pursue leads, one detective's obsession with the case strains his relationship with his wife. The other detective becomes involved with an enigmatic woman who has a connection to the victim, and their burgeoning romance is complicated by her mysterious history and the potential for danger surrounding the investigation.

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Timeline & Setting – The Black Dahlia (2006)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Black Dahlia (2006). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1947

The events in 'The Black Dahlia' unfold in 1947, a post-war era marked by significant social changes in America. The period is noted for its fascination with film noir, crime stories, and the glamour of Hollywood, which often hides a grim reality beneath its surface. This juxtaposition of glitz and despair reflects the societal struggles and moral complexities of the time.

Location

Los Angeles, Hollywoodland

The movie is set primarily in Los Angeles, a vibrant city known for its Hollywood film industry and cultural diversity. From glitzy film sets to grimy underground clubs, Los Angeles provides a backdrop that intensifies the dark narrative of the investigation. The iconic Hollywoodland sign symbolizes both the allure and the darkness hidden within the entertainment world.

🌆 City 🎬 Film Industry

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:35

Main Characters – The Black Dahlia (2006)

Meet the key characters of The Black Dahlia (2006), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dwight 'Bucky' Bleichert

Bucky is a dedicated LAPD detective grappling with the dark complexities of his job. His moral compass is tested as he navigates obsession and betrayal while seeking justice for Elizabeth Short. Bucky’s character highlights the moral ambiguity of the investigation and the personal sacrifices he makes along the way.

👮‍♂️ Detective 🔍 Investigator 💔 Obsessed

Kay Lake

Kay is intertwined in a tumultuous love triangle with Bucky and Lee. She embodies vulnerability but also strength, as her troubled past shapes her actions and relationships. Her character experiences significant development as she navigates love and betrayal, ultimately influencing Bucky's journey.

💔 Love Interest 🎭 Complex

Lee Blanchard

Lee is Bucky's partner whose obsession with the case becomes a destructive force. As a detective, he is initially portrayed as heroic, but his volatile behavior reveals deep-seated issues that affect those around him. Lee's tragic arc brings tension and urgency to the narrative.

👮‍♂️ Partner 🚨 Turbulent

Madeleine Linscott

Madeleine is a complex character marked by charm and deceit, deeply connected to the murder mystery. Her resemblance to Elizabeth captivates Bucky, pulling him into a web of manipulation and dark family secrets. She represents the duality of innocence and guilt throughout the film.

🎭 Enigmatic 💔 Deceptive

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:35

Major Themes – The Black Dahlia (2006)

Explore the central themes of The Black Dahlia (2006), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔍 Obsession

Obsession drives the characters in their pursuit of truth and personal desires. Bucky's fixation on the murder mystery leads him down a dark path, intertwining his fate with that of Kay and Madeleine. The theme illustrates how the characters' obsessions ultimately lead to tragedy and uncover dark secrets.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal is a recurring theme as personal relationships unravel amid the chaos of the investigation. Kay’s hidden past with Bobby DeWitt and her complicated dynamic with Lee highlight betrayal in both romantic and familial contexts. The devastating revelation of Madeleine's secret also underscores how betrayal can have profound, tragic consequences.

🎭 Identity

The pursuit of identity is central to the narrative, especially concerning Elizabeth Short and the characters' illusions of self. Characters struggle with their personal identities against societal expectations, which is especially poignant in the context of Hollywood's superficiality. Elizabeth's identity being overshadowed by her tragic fate prompts a deeper examination of how identity is perceived and constructed.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:35

Unlock the Full Story of The Black Dahlia

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The Black Dahlia Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Black Dahlia, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Black Dahlia Summary

The Black Dahlia Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Black Dahlia with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Black Dahlia Timeline

More About The Black Dahlia

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Black Dahlia: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Black Dahlia

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