If you loved
Severed
John Gilmore · Book · 2006
If Severed captured your fascination with the dark underbelly of fame, these stories explore the high cost of Hollywood's secrets.
Films on the same thread
The Black Dahlia
Brian De Palma · Film · 2006
Shares a thread with Severed: Hollywood Scandals.
Much like Severed, this film dissects the grim reality behind 1940s Los Angeles, pairing institutional corruption with the same obsession over the tragic demise of a young aspiring actress.
Hollywoodland
Allen Coulter · Film · 2006
Shares a thread with Severed: Hollywood Scandals.
If the true crime investigation in Severed hooked you, this film provides a similarly grounded look at the scandalous death of a superstar and the webs of studio-sanctioned deception.
Series on the same thread
Dexter
James Manos Jr. · Series · 2006
Explores: Moral Ambiguity, Double Life, Justice vs. Revenge.
This series mirrors the exploration of criminal psychology found in Severed, focusing on the double life of an individual who maneuvers through life while hiding a dark, violent truth.
Severance
Dan Erickson · Series · 2022
Explores: Identity Crisis, Existentialism, Memory Manipulation.
While distinct in setting, the existential dread and fractured identity central to this show echo the unsettling psychological depth that readers discovered within the pages of Severed.
Dexter: Resurrection
Clyde Phillips · Series · 2025
Explores: Father-Son Relationship, Redemption, Past Sins.
Picking up the trail of a complex protagonist, this series builds on the character-driven tension of Severed by forcing a reckoning with past sins and a complicated personal legacy.
Black Bird
Dennis Lehane · Series · 2022
Explores: Undercover Operation, Seeking Redemption, Moral Ambiguity.
This gripping adaptation shares the intense true crime DNA of Severed, placing you at the heart of a high-stakes mission where moral ambiguity defines every desperate, life-altering choice made.
Podcasts on the same thread
You Must Remember Manson
Karina Longworth · Podcast · 2022
If you enjoyed the historical investigation of Hollywood scandals in Severed, this podcast series offers a detailed, immersive dive into the lurid crimes that forever altered the city's culture.
Dirty John
LA Times Studios · Podcast · 2026
This true story parallels the themes of deception and societal darkness seen in Severed, focusing on the harrowing survival of individuals caught in a web of manipulation and lies.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Severed based on a real event?
Severed is an L.A. noir classic written by John Gilmore. The book details historical events in Los Angeles and was re-released in 2006 to coincide with the film production directed by Brian De Palma.
Should I read Severed before watching the Brian De Palma film?
You can read Severed before or after watching the film. This 2006 edition of the book was specifically released to accompany the Brian De Palma production, providing readers with the source material that inspired the project.
What is the background of the 2006 edition of Severed?
The 2006 edition of Severed was published by John Gilmore to serve as an accompaniment to the film adaptation directed by Brian De Palma. It preserves the original L.A. noir narrative while aligning its release with the movie debut.
Is Severed a standalone work by John Gilmore?
Yes, Severed is a standalone L.A. noir classic written by John Gilmore. This specific 2006 edition was curated to be read in conjunction with the release of the film directed by Brian De Palma.