“The Black Dahlia” –
Josh Hartnett, Scarlett Johansson, Aaron Eckhart, Hilary Swank
I actually turned this off about 2/3 of the way through. The sets and costumes were rich but the story line was pathetically tragic. Alone Eckhart is a true talent, Swank is one of the finest, and Johansson has promise, but Hartnett is way out of his league. I couldn’t follow this at all, and lost interest quickly, the star given is obligatory. Entirely missable even for home viewing.
“Notes from a Scandal” –
Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Cate Blanchett
One woman’s secret is another woman’s opportunity, how true. Dench is frighteningly brilliant in this, calculating, resourceful, conniving, and desperate in every sense. She is destined to win at any cost and feared enough never to be stopped. Blanchett is tragically pathetic, yet winsome, and truly likeable (essential for a heroine), Nighy is the perfect choice for her husband. He seems almost famous, very artsy, yet with an amazing capacity for heart and truth. I knew early on the challenges that lay ahead with the wanderings of a young teacher (Blanchett) with a host of hot blooded and even hotter headed young lads. There is something devilishly attractive about alleged innocence coupled with false bravado. Beware those you share your secrets with, it gives them so much power…
