A few quick words here about my affection for film noir.
As someone interested in social history, I am curious about the influential group of noir filmmakers who emigrated to the USA from Europe, folks like Fritz Lang, Billy Wilder, Otto Preminger, Robert Siodmak, Edgar G. Ulmer, etc. Whether fleeing persecution or pursuing artistic opportunity, the noir film directors list lends itself to further reading.
I also have nostalgic appreciation (although what's the term when you are nostalgic for something you never actually experienced?) for location shooting in these pictures, especially the films set in California. I've spent a good amount of time driving all over Los Angeles just to stand on locations where Mike Hammer stood in Kiss Me Deadly, to see Phyllis' Double Indemnity house, etc.
At its best, noir storytelling is a splendid mix of desperation, law v. crime, lust and betrayal, all set to hard-edged dialog, sharp clothes, shadowy streets, shots of whiskey, and endless cigarettes. And it should not be overlooked how noir gave female actors wonderful, memorable, exciting, commanding opportunities.
I'm not saying noir is perfect. Too often, perhaps in a reflection of the times of production, racial stereotypes on screen are embarrassing and insulting. This makes films like Odds Against Tomorrow and No Way Out all the more stunning and powerful.
Just a few Favorite Noir Films
Kiss Me Deadly
Touch of Evil
Asphalt Jungle
The Big Combo
Lady in the Lake
Odds Against Tomorrow
Sorry, Wrong Number
Elevator to the Gallows
and, of course,
Double Indemnity
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1 comment:
I don't know if Bladerunner would count as Noir, but my earliest memory of that film was a friend of mine criticizing the setting. "It's dark and it rains too much!" Right then and there, it became one of my favorites.
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