2. FILM NOIR French for “black film” Typically a Hollywood drama with cynical attitudes and sexual motivations Films dated from the early 1940s to the late 1950s
3. STORYLINES Literary influence from the American detective novel and crime fiction Usually includes convoluted storylines, frequently involving flashbacks Male protagonist usually wishes to elude his mysterious past and has to choose which path to take
4. QUINTESSENTIAL FILMS Laura (1944) The Maltese Falcon (1941) Double Indemnity (1949) Touch of Evil (1958) Dark Passage (1947) Citizen Kane (1941)
6. MOODS Film Noir is less a genre, per se, than it is a mood. They reflect the tensions and anxieties of the post world wars era. Generally, they featured: Melancholy Alienation Bleakness Disillusionment Paranoia
7. CHARACTERS Central figure usually private eye or plain-clothes policeman Hero is generally flawed, morally questionable, alienated Criminal motivation often jealousy Archetypes include femme fatale, hardboiled detective, corrupt policeman, jealous husband Smoking is mandatory
9. FEMME FATALE French for “deadly” or “fatal” woman Typically villainous, sometimes anti-heroine Represents direct attack on traditional womanhood and nuclear family An alluring, seductive woman whose charms ensnare her lovers in bonds of irresistible desire, often leading them to compromising, dangerous, and/or deadly situations
10. APPEALING ELEMENTS OF FILM NOIR The male/female relationship and archetypes The femme fatale and female dichotomy Mystery and crime How American attitudes are expressed
11. Limitations of Film Noir Exaggerates; melodramatic Encourages stereotypes Often pessimistic and moody; presents the world as corrupt Generally presents problems and corruption rather than solutions
