It is November and that means one thing – NOIRVEMBER

Hopefully you are all snuggled up every night with a bottle of bourbon, a carton of cigarettes (yes, even the non-smokers!) and the lights out ready for your favourite Film Noir movie. Let’s begin exploring Film Noir and why it continues to dazzle movie-lovers.

What is Film Noir?

Film noir emerged as a distinctive cinematic style in America during the 1940s and 1950s, it introduced a distinctive aesthetic and narrative form, characterized by pessimism, moral ambiguity, and complex character arcs. Film Noir is a French term meaning ’black’ or ‘dark’ film and refers to both the mood and aesthetic of the films. The roots of the genre can be traced back to German Expressionism, a movement that emphasized distorted visuals and emotional depth. This influence is evident in the use of stark contrasts and low-key lighting, which creates a sense of unease and enhances the often grim narratives present in these films. The interplay of shadows and light is also metaphorical of the ethical dilemmas faced by characters, predominantly embodied in the classic femme fatale and the tortured anti-hero (usually a writer, drifter or detective). These visual elements not only enhance suspense but also serve to heighten the emotional experience of the audience, enveloping them in a world rife with danger and uncertainty. Two other integral characteristics of a Film Noir movie are the bleak urban landscape and lots of smoking! If it isn’t shadowy and smoky it’s not real Noir! This highly stylized cinematic approach was paired with hard-boiled crime fiction from writers such as Raymond Chandler and James M Cain, known for their gritty realism.

Shadows and Suspense: Film Noir, a product of its time

The cultural backdrop of post-World War II America played a significant role in the development of Film Noir. The war left a profound impact on society, instilling a sense of disillusionment and moral ambiguity. As the nation grappled with the uncertainties of the modern era, filmmakers began to depict the darker sides of human nature and the struggles of individuals against corrupt systems. This shift in narrative focus allowed for the exploration of complex characters facing life changing situations, echoing the anxieties of a society recovering from the trauma of war. Additionally, reflecting the turbulent societal mood of post-World War II America and the sense of disillusionment that permeated the era, characters often find themselves trapped in a gritty reality where right and wrong are not easily discernible. The stories frequently revolve around crime, portraying it as a seductive yet perilous option for characters entangled in despair. This interplay between desire and danger creates a compelling narrative that captivates viewers and evokes a range of emotions.

The Cold War era, marked by paranoia and uncertainty, was also to significantly influence the themes presented in Film Noir. As audiences grappled with fears of communism and societal breakdown, the genre offered a dark reflection of their anxieties. The inclination towards exploring the shadows of human nature and the fragility of morality mirrored the broader existential fears faced by society during this tumultuous period. The constant fear of espionage and the spectre of Communism loomed large, influencing characters and storylines that highlighted the internal struggles faced by individuals in an unstable world. Consequently, Film Noir remains a potent exploration of the human condition within a distinctly American framework.

Here is my top ten greatest Film Noir movies – slightly controversial as there is only one Bogart/Bacall movie in there and The Third Man is missing!

1. Double Indemnity (1944)– Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray, directed by Billy Wilder. This classic revolves around an insurance salesman who gets entangled in a deadly plot involving a femme fatale. Its sharp dialogue and pioneering depiction of a noir relationship set a high standard for subsequent films.
2. The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946)– Lana Turner and John Garfield. Frank is a drifter who soon falls for his boss, Nick’s, wife. In true femme fatale style, she convinces him to kill Nick, however things don’t go to plan leading to a fantastic plot twist at the end.
3. Gaslight (1944)– Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer. A dodgy marriage where the husband seeks to drive his wife insane through false accusations, manipulation and psychological trickery. Check out a very young Angela Lansbury as the brazen maid! The original ‘gaslighting’.
4. Touch of Evil (1958)– Charlton Heston and Janet Leigh, directed by Orson Welles. Notable for its opening sequence and chilling portrayal of corruption. The atmospheric cinematography and moral complexities position it as a quintessential Film Noir. (Modern audiences will have to ignore the casting of Charlton Heston as a Mexican character, which seems unpalatable today).
5. Laura (1944) – Gene Tierney and Dana Andrews. The detective investigating the murder of a young woman shot in the face becomes more and more obsessed the deeper he digs.
6. D.O.A (1949) – Edmund O’Brien and Pamela Britton. Frank Bigelow has been poisoned and only has 24 hours to find out who his murderer is.
7. Sunset Boulevard (1950)– Gloria Swanson and William Holden. The film begins with a death, Joe Gillis, in a swimming pool and then uses the classic noir technique of flashback to tell the tale of how Joe ended up there.
8. Kiss Me Deadly (1955) – Cloris Leachman and Ralph Meeker. The opening scene is electric and sets the tone for the rest of the film. The narrative follows private investigator Mike Hammer as he uncovers a conspiracy linked to a mysterious box that is never fully revealed. This ‘Mickey Spillane adaptation’ demonstrates how filmmakers addressed the anxieties of the atomic age, with the pursuit of the unknown symbolizing humanity’s struggle against overwhelming existential threats.
9. The Big Sleep (1946) – Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. It wouldn’t be a proper film noir run down without Bogey making an appearance!
10. M (1931) – Peter Lorre, directed by Fritz Lang. M is an earlier German predecessor to the American Noir genre, however is so influential it had to be included! Hans Beckert is a child serial killer and laid the blue print for all serial killer films that would follow. ‘Nuff said.

I’d love to hear your thoughts – do you agree/disagree? Maybe you’re new to Noir? What is your favourite Film Noir movie?

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