2. Overview
My sequence would be able to engage my outlined audience
in the way it successfully emulates the style and thematic
basis of the noir genre in a modern context.There is a
sense of familiarity for those able to identify these
specific traits and a sense of discovery for those only just
coming to them and beginning their genre education.
Furthermore, there are some enigmatic teases to hook an
audience and make them want to continue watching as
will the central relationship whose development poses an
interesting plot point for the film, one which the audience
may further enjoy for the way the characters have
elements which break away from genre stereotypes.
3. Overview
Overall, the sequence faithfully adopts the conventional
elements of the genre across the board – in its aesthetics,
character types, narrative developments and themes with
only some small deviations from the standard form.As
stated before, this would allow for a degree of familiarity
but the small twists on the formula would appear the most
standout in the midst of the genre conventions, making
them more appealing for those seeking out a new take on
the noir standard, finding a sense of satisfying discovery
when encountering material that breaks away and tries
new things.
4. Aesthetics
Instantly, the sequence’s place in the noir genre is established through the aesthetic design.
The use of monochrome in conjunction with the non-diegetic jazz score is an easily
identifiable and crucial element of the genre so its presence here, and the connotations
that come with it firmly entrench the viewer in the genre.This provides both a
reassuring sense of familiarity for those with experience in this area, bringing back a
classic style as an antidote to the modern state of filmmaking. Alternatively, those
without genre experience would be first introduced to noir through this so would be
engaged by the atmosphere provided by the various aesthetic elements – the
cinematography, the non-diegetic jazz music et al carries connotations of mystery and
criminality, drawing the viewer in by tempting them with exciting developments to
come.The evocative nature of the design is surely a major point of engagement with
the narrative as well as with the genre as a whole.
5. Aesthetics
Additionally, in the name of identifying with the noir genre,
the use of an urban environment is also an important
convention.This type of setting connotes ideas (in this
context) of crime and a certain seediness lingering
beneath the surface. It also hints to the environment in
which our protagonist is most comfortable, implying his
confidence with criminality. This is a character trait that
would be easy for the audience to engage with, either for a
sense of empathy or a sense of fulfillment since he could
represent how they would want to be in this scenario,
endearing them to him and making them want to follow
his journey into the darker areas of the city.
6. Aesthetics
The key element in terms of aesthetics that diverges from
standard genre form, is the use of non-diegetic first-person
voiceover which is rather uncommon in cinematic noir, and
more widely used in noir literature.This adds a unique layer to
the storytelling since it allows the audience a more direct
insight into the central character’s mental state and thought
process.This could encourage not only a great level of
identification as he explains his feelings and also encourage an
even more pronounced element of discovery since the audience
now has the ability to follow the plot with the protagonist,
trying to navigate the various twists along with him in a manner
of satisfaction comparable to following aTV detective drama.
This unique wrinkle makes the sequence stand out from similar
genre entries and tying it to its literary roots would help to
engage those with an understanding of the prose heritage.
7. Voice-over Example
Below is a extract from my sequence that features the
aforementioned trait of the non-diegetic voice-over. Due to
technical limitations , I am unable to embed this example into
this presentation.
8. Representation
The character types fall into basic archetypal designs of the
Hero Private Detective and the beautiful femme fatale
and this adhering to such timeless genre staples provides a
sense of recognition and consciousness as to the genre’s
codes and conventions.Those with an affinity for the
genre would engage with this standard formula though
without much divergence from type, this could be seen as
conservative and lacking innovation.That being said, the
way the characters appear to interact highlights their
character dynamics which would be of interest to an
audience seeking out some degree of change. In
particular, the detective’s elements of humour and the
strength of the female character.
9. Representation
As per traditional noir character designs, the hero should be
the epitome of cool and confident, rarely prone to
weakness. However, here (seen in his startled and
“uncool” reaction to the woman’s reveal) he undermines
his gruff and gritty persona - manifested by his voice-over
and back-story – with humour and a certain level of
vulnerability. This is an interesting character trait,
influenced by the character Doc Sportello inThomas
Pynchon’s InherentVice, and one that differentiates him
from the stock detective mold, rewarding those seeking a
relatively new take on a well-worn cliché and also hints to
the sort of character he will be in the main feature.
10. Representation
The female character also has some degree of strength which would
engage those with an affinity for stronger female characters. She is in
control during their exchange, despite the fact that she is in need of
help and it is highly likely that she has come to him purely because she
is fully aware of the power she holds over him, able to exploit this
quite effectively in disrupting his cliché tough-guy persona.This level
of control is a unique element in the state of cinema, providing an
interesting representation of woman as something other than pure
eye-candy (though she does provide this element, as per noir
tradition), similar to Gaby Rogers’ character in Kiss Me Deadly who is
revealed to have been manipulating events from behind the scenes.
Furthermore, their respective character traits would make for an
interesting relationship to develop throughout the story, serving as a
key point of engagement for the audience to hook onto and afford
more to invest in over the course of the narrative, finding appeal in
their interactions and the potential for humor not found in most noirs.
11. Example
I refer you to the example of the humourous twist on the
protagonist below, featuring an extract from my own
sequence. Due to technical limitations , I am unable to
embed this example into this presentation.
12. Narrative Structure
Falling once again, back into genre standards, the narrative structure
(what little there is) is very much compliant with what is expected
from this type of story, baring strong similarity to the opening of The
Maltese Falcon with the femme fatale approaching the hero with
some type of mysterious assignment. Furthermore, the hero’s back-
story – someone formerly involved in the thick of criminality but now
resigned to a quieter life – again bares similarity to the character of
Doc Sportello so does function as a noir staple.These basic narrative
elements are very straightforward in the context of the genre and
should be fulfilling to fans of the genre.
13. The Maltese Falcon Opening
Scene
I refer you below where you can see the clip in full.
14. Themes
The adherence to film noir standards implies a lot about the deeper plot and, in particular,
the use of traditional iconography links to Strauss’ Binary Opposition theory between
cop/criminal or good/evil, basic themes that resound in the genre since its inception,
shown in counterpoints between the likes of Orson Welles’ corrupt cop and Charlton
Heston’s righteous man seeking the truth in Touch of Evil, both characterised by their
status as either evil and good respectively. The thematic heart of my sequence is fairly
light, given the focus on aesthetics and the minimal amount of narrative material
provided, making analysis of such content slightly futile. However, the fact that the
sequence does include these elements does make it fit into the genre well, and a deeper
sense of thematic substance would serve to engage people seeking a greater level of
intelligence in their entertainment to examine.
