2. Brick is a modern day take on a classic detective story filled with mystery, danger and twists
throughout the story.This uses classic conventions of film noir such as shadows, smoke and the
use of a femme fatal. However, the characters are very unique as they represent the classic roles
in a noir, played by teenagers.This allows the film to have a new take upon film noir bringing it
into a modern light.This moves the film into the neo noir genre. I think that this has many
elements that I could adapt in my piece.
3. Shots
Stylised shots are used frequently throughout the film, pulling focus towards the
protagonist and major characters.This is a common convention of film noir.
The establishing shot is a medium shot of a darkened wall inside a tunnel, panning
to an extreme close up of the main character pulling into focus.This shot has a large
impact onto the audience as it presents the character alongside creating a serious
tone and dark atmosphere. Moreover, the narrative begins at the end, displaying the
character standing over the body of a young female, who is later displayed to be the
ex girlfriend he is in search for.
4. The telephone box and the tunnel
§ The telephone box is used as a motif, alongside the shape of the tunnel. As the two
are presented on the film poster, as well as frequently throughout the film, it
causes an active audience as they are forced to question the reason for their
presence.
5. Editing
A series of fades and cross dissolves are used
to gradually guide the audience through the
narrative.This fits with the slow pace of shots,
contrasting with the fast cuts that are used to
build tension.
Having the film in colour, instead of the traditional
black and white, the neo noir genre is presented,
displaying the modern take on this style of film.
6. music
The dark, atmospheric music combine both old and new genres of music.
Saxophones, trumpets ect used in jazz and electronic music creates a vintage feel to
the film.The slow pace fits with the pace of shots and editing, building tension
throughout the film. I would say the music has a lot of bass creating a dark and
sinister tone.
7. characters
As a character “Brendan” both
fits and contrasts with a
traditional protagonist as he is a
loner set on claiming justice,
whose strength and intelligence
allow him to find the answers he
is searching for. However, the
character is a teenage outcast,
meaning all of these elements
are hidden behind his
appearance. His plain clothes,
large glasses and curly hair
display him as a stereotypical
high school geek. Although, his
actions towards other characters,
being very outspoken, rude and
confident, create a more mature
side to him.
The brain being the accomplice to the protagonist is one
of the major characters however he is mainly present
through voice over a phone, making him a subtle
presence.
The pin is a dark and sinister
character who is portrayed as
the villain of the film. His low
pitch voice alongside his dark
clothing display him as a
typical bad guy. However, as he
is also a high school student he
lives with his mother, causing a
comical scene of her making
him lunch during a serious
business deal with the
protagonist.This element of
comedy displays the difference
between noir and neo noir as it
is breaking the convention.
Laura is a very conventional
femme fatal. She is beautiful,
intelligent and manipulative.
As one of the Pins informants
she is positioned as a high
figure in the film who attempts
to seduce Brendan after
causing the death of his ex
girlfriend. She pretends to be
weak and innocent throughout
until she is finally found out by
Brendan at the end of the film.
