FAQ - Dmoz/Arts/Movies/Genres/Film_Noir

Archive-name:dmoz.org/Arts/Movies/Genres/Film_Noir
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Last-modified:1999-10-22 03:09:24
URL:http://dmoz.org/Arts/Movies/Genres/Film_Noir/faq.html
Category:Arts/Movies/Genres/Film_Noir

Table of Contents

1  What is "film noir?"
2  Are films noir still made today?
3  What constitutes a film noir?
4  I'm interested in film noir, but don't know where in the video store to start?
5  I've watched several noirs and am more confused than ever. Am I missing something?

1   Q: What is "film noir?"
A: Film noir is French for a genre of approximately 490 movies made between 1941 and 1958. All the big Hollywood studios made them, some more than others. Major releasers included United Artists with 76, RKO with 64, Warner Brothers with 58, and Columbia with 55. They were black and white, with darkness and shadow that reflected their often cynical and pessimistic worldviews.
by jgoldner at 1999-10-21 20:22:42
2   Q: Are films noir still made today?
A: No. However, many writers and directors working today were heavily influenced by film noir. This lead to a group of color films that have been termed "neo-noir." Among the most popular and notable neo-noirs are L.A. Confidential, Chinatown, and Blade Runner.
by jgoldner at 1999-10-21 20:25:18
3   Q: What constitutes a film noir?
A: Everyone has their own list of what is "in" as noir and what is "out." Some films, like Casablanca are incorrectly regarded as noir simply because it is in black and white, has a sad ending, and stars Humphrey Bogart. While many films noir do star Humphrey Bogart and have sad endings, these elements alone do not make a film noir. However, all films noir were in black & white. This is a critical element. Beyond that, it's a very personal decision. Some people consider The Maltese Falcon a noir and others do not.
by jgoldner at 1999-10-21 22:53:41
4   Q: I'm interested in film noir, but don't know where in the video store to start?
A: First, you might want to start with something searchable, like The Internet Movie Database and do a genre search for film noir. If nothing there catches your eye, you might want to start with Double Indemnity (1944). It has almost every noir element possible. Other good starting points include Orson Welles' Touch Of Evil (1958), Kiss Me Deadly (1955), or any number of Bogart's other detective films like The Big Sleep.
by jgoldner at 1999-10-21 23:06:50
5   Q: I've watched several noirs and am more confused than ever. Am I missing something?
A: No. In fact, you're getting it. Film noir is supposed to kind of turn you on your head. If you're feeling really ambitious, check out Orson Welles' The Lady From Shangahi (1948). The much-studied final scene is, in many ways, the embodiment of noir.
by jgoldner at 1999-10-22 03:09:24

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