Classic Film Noir and Neo-Noir
What is all the social media buzz about film noir?
What is the difference between film noir and neo-noir?
How do I know if I am watching film noir?
In this article, I will attempt to answer these questions and give you some insight on the elements of film noir.
CLASSIC FILM NOIR (early 1940's to the late 1950's)
Humphrey Bogart was a major player of the Classic Film Noir Era. Humphrey DeForest Bogart, born December 25, 1899 was an American film and stage actor. He was in 75 feature films averaging a staggering 2 1/2 films per year for nearly 30 years. One of my favorite films with Bogart and Bacall is "Dark Passage" (1947) directed by: Delmer Daves. With clever camera work, the audience does not see his face but only hears him talking the first part of the movie. Other famous Bogart films are: "Casablanca" (1942) "The Maltese Falcon" (1941) "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre" (1942)
What is the difference between Classic Film Noir and Modern Film Noir?
Answer: the dates they were filmed
Classic Film Noir: early 1940's to the late 1950's
Neo or Modern film noir: 1973 until present
How do I determine if I am watching a noir movie?
The filming style of film noir is filled with shadows and night shots. There is always a female (femme fatale) involved. She is not always out to kill or betray. She is the one who gets our hero off track.
"Double Indemnity" (1944) directed by Billy Wilder Starring Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwick and Edward G. Robinson
Plot: An insurance investigator falls for a woman who talks him into a fraud scheme involving murder. Barbara Stanwick is a perfect femme fatale. I recommend this movie for your film noir "watch list."
Film Noir usually involves murder, greed and jealousy!
In these dark, shadowy films, you can't trust anyone. Something twists in the story. You will notice, the story takes its time, however, you don't realize the movie is doing this. The characters hang out and you get to know them. Someone seduces someone to do something wrong. A thriller, suspense or crime movie is not always a film noir.
"Out of The Past"(1942) Directed by Jacques Tourneur Starring Robert Mitchum, Jane Greer, Kirk Douglas
Another favorite of mine!
A PI trying to escape his past is pulled back into a dangerous world by a crime boss and a double crossing dame. Jane Greer has that look! If you see this look on a dame, run!...she lures two strong men into a web that they can't seem to escape.
"Neo-Noir" or "Modern Film Noir" (1973 to Present)
"LA Confidential" (1997) Directed by: Curtis Hanson Starring: Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kim Bassinger
Plot: Murder, justice and revenge haunt the lives of three policemen in this oscar winning modern film noir about 1950's LA and corruption on the police force.
"Chinatown" (1974) Directed by: Roman Polanski Starring Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston
A private detective hired to expose an adulterer finds himself caught up in a web of deceit, corruption and murder. Atmosphere and intrigue prevail as the story unfolds. I love it! A neo-noir film.
"The Player" (1992) Directed by: Robert Altman Starring: Tim Robbins, Greta Scacchi, Fred Ward Plot: A Hollywood studio executive is being sent death threats by a writer whose script he rejected, but which one?
Robert Altman literally peaking through the windows of Hollywood captures the smooth talking executives and players of the Hollywood game of making motion pictures. (nominated for 3 oscars)
Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you will enjoy studying film noir and neo-noir with the examples in this blog and info as you determine if you are watching film noir or a crime, suspense thriller. Each student of film will have their own interpretation of them. Some movies almost fit. You can enjoy informative conversations about this subject with film groups on social media especially Twitter. Nelda
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