Universal Pictures has picked up distribution rights to director Brian De Palma's $60-million "The Black Dahlia," starring Josh Hartnett, Scarlett Johansson, Aaron Eckhart and Hilary Swank. Universal plans to release the film in theaters in 2006. Based on the 1987 James Ellroy murder mystery, "The Black Dahlia" stars Josh Hartnett and Aaron Eckhart as two boxers-turned-cops who investigate the 1947 murder of ingenue Elizabeth Short..." (full details)

Jean-Jacques Beineix ("Betty Blue") has optioned the adaptation rights to the philosophical thriller "For a Long Time I Used To Go To Bed Early" by much-adapted French author Jean-Pierre Gattegno. Novel takes its title from the opening words of Marcel Proust's "Remembrance of Things Past," and a stolen manuscript of the work plays a key role in the action. Story line also involves the theft of famed Courbet painting "L'Origine du Monde" from Paris' Musee d'Orsay. Beineix has yet to pen the script, he says, "but I've started working on it in my mind"..." (full details)

Gary Hamilton's Darclight Films has added supernatural thriller "The Gravedancers" to their slate. Film centers on three college friends who unwittingly release a trio of malevolent spirits when they reunite at a friend's funeral. Dominic Purcell, Clare Kramer, Tchéky Karyo, Marcus Thomas, Josie Moran and Meghan Perry star. Mike Mendez directed the pic..." (full details)

Thanks to 'KC'.