There was a test screening a couple of days ago for The Black Dahlia in Los Angeles. Ain’t It Cool has posted accounts from people who were in the audience. Josh Hartnett and Mia Kirshner are praised for their performances but unfortunately the reaction to Scarlett’s performance is very disappointing. Here are comments on her performance:

“Scarlett Johansson, who I think is a fine actress, also seemed to be in over head, playing a character that could have used the seasoning of an actress ten years her senior.”

“Scarlett is her usual boring “look at me, I’m pretty so I must be great!” self, and is barely even necessary in the story (a comment echoed by a few at the Q&A after the movie).”

“Scarlett Johansson is more than a little disappointing, although she isn’t given too much to work with here.”

“Lee’s girlfriend Kay, played by a OVERACTING and way too OBVIOUS Scarlett Johansson. Their relationship to this woman is marred by Scarlett’s hysterics (where is the delicate actor of Lost In Translation, I ask) and the obvious disconnection of the men to her.”

I did manage to find one positive comment:

“Most of the actors were fantastic. Aaron Eckhart and Scarlett Johansson were really good, but Josh Hartnett and Hillary Swank were both amazing. Swank almost steals the show and maybe could get a supporting actress nod?”

If you are interested in the film, check out the amazing De Palma a la Mod and Ain’t It Cool for more information and commentary.

To make this The Black Dahlia update complete, I have added 7 HQ stills from the set of the film.