The Devil's Muse (2007) watch online HD

Dreams are not movies or reality. They are the mind's attempt to sort out difficult information. The difficult reality portrayed in this dream-like movie is that Elizabeth Short is only one of many.

The atmosphere can be quite oppressive at times, as the audience is put right in among the Dahlias in a Hollywood that is exactly as glamorous as a burlesque house in the low rent section of any town. It should play more cheerily at home with the lights on, as it would in a drive-in on the same bill with, say The Indestructible Man or Gun Crazy. If you are reading this 10 or 20 years down the line you can watch Black Dahlia Movie for a glimpse of the world that was. This dream-like vision will tell you something about how people felt about this subject when it was made. The director can be seen working on the movie. It's his troubled point-of-view that puts actual talented unknowns in very contemporary settings. Little walkways between buildings, seedy-looking houses where parties are staged by fake big-shots, and the plain old streets of Hollywood.

The editing could use some tightening because it isn't a dream, only dream-like, and I wish Ramzi Abed had had a bigger budget. People who dislike the early and later work of Stanley Kubrick and the jazzy poetical riffing of Jack Kerouac will not like this one bit. Repeat viewing can bring out it's more traditional narrative qualities. Toward the end, as many dreams do at the approach of wakefulness, the story seems to be trying to reconcile itself to the harsh reality it has been contemplating by imagining fantastic resolutions, each with it's own narrative logic, then goes back where it began with the young dead woman in the weedy lot. There's no way to fix what was done to her.

This is just the sort of cultural document an impressionable young person needs to see. Never mind that the occasionally not-so-great acting and tellingly low budget will make them laugh, or the gruesome murders portrayed give them nightmares. A timely warning might keep some kid from making a mistake.

The contribution of David J and other musicians helps. There are lots of cute actresses in this movie. Kristen Kerr, who plays the chief Dahlia, is poetry in motion.

Not to be confused with Ulli Lommel's unwatchable mess or the incomprehensible De Palma film, this is a decently shot and produced meditation on the price of fame and fortune in Lotus Land. The film uses the Black Dahlia as a springboard for a series of vignettes and haunted images of Hollywood's past. The cinematography is excellent and the cast is up for the challenge. You do not learn about the Black Dahlia crime from this film. The viewer is thrust into the shoes of a number of actresses searching for success with the Black Dahlia character as a backdrop. This stream of ideas is not for all tastes, but if you are in the mood, you will find this film rewarding.

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.

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).

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.

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!

Starring Kristin Kerr,Lizzie Strain & Julie Strain,Trent Haaga and Llloyd Kaufman. "Surreal Horror",An ignored Genre ? This Ramzi Abed film breaks down walls and formats and all filmaking rules ! I kept getting this nagging feeling while watching that I had seen Trent Haaga's character before,LIGHT BULB goes off : Herke Harvey as the spectre in CARNIVAL OF SOULS ('62).Trent keeps popping up in this Black Dahlia mystery and he has evil intentions,Usually. This is a good movie with SAW-like actions towards victims,great acting by all the cameos and Kristin Kerr is a modern day Elisabeth Short (With an almost Betty Page fetish tone). Lots of extras on this 2 disc set including making of and complete separate soundtrack.

Any film that reaches a point of distribution has to be given a five...but I can't give it anymore than that...it lacks the single thing that makes a film watchable, a story about someone that needs to do something...this film has several stories in it, but it never makes it as an ensemble piece because of that very reason....who is it about, what do they need to do, what do they desire? Who's story am I watching...? Yes, I know a movie that doesn't follow that doesn't mean it's a bad film but it's a niche film, a film you watch not for the story but for another reason, the actors, the director, the locations...but the story has to be paramount...until you are David lynch, you can't make a David lynch film...

This movie really got me into it! It cant be compared to those other two movies about the Black Dahlia legend,though I haven't seen both,but Im sure the other one doesn't reach the arty level anyway and especially Brian de Palma's version (which ,I think,sucks big time) is nothing compared to that piece of art! Ramzi Abed's version is very underground but still very well produced and set! I very much like the light,atmosphere and coloring of that movie. The actors as well as the director Ramzi Abed are doing excellent work, not to forget the stunning soundtrack! I love the twists in it also and "Black Dahlia" is so added to my personal favorite movie list! In one word: OUTSTANDING!!!! It's a MUST to watch it!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,RAMZI! :)

I'm proud of you! :))

Valeska aka PiaPale

I just watched this movie over the weekend and I must say that it was more than I expected. Exspecially after watching the two other "really bad" Black Dahlia movies. But I have to tell you Mr. Abed restored my faith. From the unconventional actors and actress' in the film to the way he shared the story of the Black Dahlia, he really pushed the envelope of violence, sex, and of course the infamous and murderous mystery of Elizabeth Short. This is a tale that carefully unravels surprisingly in the end. This it is not your typical 'scary film'. So be prepared to really think about violence..sex...and murder. Be prepared to be slightly turned on by this tale of Rhamzi Abed's Black Dahlia. It will leave you wanting more...and maybe a cigarette or two:)

Please do not confuse this movie with the two other Black Dahlia's out there, or you will be really missing out.... This movie is packed full of surprising and unconventional stars...starting with the Black Dahlia herself...Kristen Kerr...Gidget Gein, who does an unbelievable job playing a detective, and Masuimi Max, who is so beautiful and who knew she was so convincing as an actress...and Julie Strain. I am not going to give away any details... all i am going to do is tell you to go see it... or you will be sorry you missed it. Ramzi Abed is a very creative director and i can not wait to see what he has coming next. I hope we do not have to wait too long for his next feature film.