Sunday, March 27, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Not So Noir... Or Is It?
After reading The Kidnapper Bell and The City of Commerce, I'm honestly not too sure about the stories being "Classic Noir" or "Neo-noir," because of the lack of the femme fatale in the stories, I'm aware the options had nothing to do with femme fatales but I love what they bring to the table, and I thought I'd mention that I missed that aspect of noir in these stories. Well I mean in The Kidnapper Bell, the girl at the beginning of the story does get the guy she is dating to try and help her cover up the murder of a man, but really not much femme fatale qualities if you ask me. As far as the protagonists, in these stories, they don't really seem like the ones we have previously been introduced to, then again, we are moving on to Neo Noir at this point, or at least a comparison of the two.
In The Kidnapper Bell, the protagonist appears to be a detective as well as a criminal. I mean he drugged the girl and caused her to have an accident which in turn caused her death. I mean, yes it was an accident that she fell over, but the drugs must have started to get to her. Yet after that occurs, he begins the journey of trying to find the missing girl she had been trying to locate. He tries to redeem himself and attempt to be the hero after he was being a hunter of sorts. He shows a new and different type of Neo noir protagonist figure. Well,what can be said about the irresponsible guy in City of Commerce? He seems to be quite a loser, and currently unsuccessful. His attitude towards the situation he was in seemed odd to me, and WOW, he doesn't learn his lesson, he decides to head on to the next casino he can find. He has a wife at home and instead of taking care of her and helping her out, he makes her life harder it seems, pretty selfish.
As far as similarities between the two protagonists, it seems they are both consumed by a certain something. They both have the characteristics of the neo noir types and it comes out through with their actions and comments throughout the stories. The protagonist in The Kidnapper Bell, was so intent on getting the girl into bed and eventually committed to find the missing girl and the guy in City of Commerce, was consumed by his obsession and addiction to gambling. The ambitions they had took them down paths they might not have otherwise followed.
In The Kidnapper Bell, the protagonist appears to be a detective as well as a criminal. I mean he drugged the girl and caused her to have an accident which in turn caused her death. I mean, yes it was an accident that she fell over, but the drugs must have started to get to her. Yet after that occurs, he begins the journey of trying to find the missing girl she had been trying to locate. He tries to redeem himself and attempt to be the hero after he was being a hunter of sorts. He shows a new and different type of Neo noir protagonist figure. Well,what can be said about the irresponsible guy in City of Commerce? He seems to be quite a loser, and currently unsuccessful. His attitude towards the situation he was in seemed odd to me, and WOW, he doesn't learn his lesson, he decides to head on to the next casino he can find. He has a wife at home and instead of taking care of her and helping her out, he makes her life harder it seems, pretty selfish.
As far as similarities between the two protagonists, it seems they are both consumed by a certain something. They both have the characteristics of the neo noir types and it comes out through with their actions and comments throughout the stories. The protagonist in The Kidnapper Bell, was so intent on getting the girl into bed and eventually committed to find the missing girl and the guy in City of Commerce, was consumed by his obsession and addiction to gambling. The ambitions they had took them down paths they might not have otherwise followed.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
A Woman's P.O.V
Finally, a new and different take on noir from the point of view of a woman. After reading Morocco Junction 90210 by Patt Morrison and The Method by Janet Fitch I would have to say they do have that quality of film noir. Although we have only been reading stories from the males angle, the women have that same quality that makes you think "Noir."
If I were to recommend one of these stories to a friend, it would definitely be The Method. From beginning to end it had me interested and I didn't mind reading it. As for Morocco Junction 90210, I had to keep taking breaks because it seemed that there's was no point to the story. Well at least it felt like it was taking too long to get to the "good" part. Actually, there was no good part. The Method was interesting, I liked that Holly didn't allow herself to be used for someone else's satisfaction. At first she did seem to allow herself to be dragged along for Richards selfish revenge plot, but she finally realized his scheme was not to her advantage at all. If anything negative is to be said about The Method, in my opinion it would have to be that it's a bit too vulgar, but who knows, maybe for some readers that's what kept them interested. I would say this is a good story for someone to read because it showed the darker side of a otherwise "good girl."
This was a fresh new view that we were able to read in regard to noir and it was pretty interesting. From reading The Method, we can acknowledge that women narratives can fit the characteristics of film noir just as well.
If I were to recommend one of these stories to a friend, it would definitely be The Method. From beginning to end it had me interested and I didn't mind reading it. As for Morocco Junction 90210, I had to keep taking breaks because it seemed that there's was no point to the story. Well at least it felt like it was taking too long to get to the "good" part. Actually, there was no good part. The Method was interesting, I liked that Holly didn't allow herself to be used for someone else's satisfaction. At first she did seem to allow herself to be dragged along for Richards selfish revenge plot, but she finally realized his scheme was not to her advantage at all. If anything negative is to be said about The Method, in my opinion it would have to be that it's a bit too vulgar, but who knows, maybe for some readers that's what kept them interested. I would say this is a good story for someone to read because it showed the darker side of a otherwise "good girl."
This was a fresh new view that we were able to read in regard to noir and it was pretty interesting. From reading The Method, we can acknowledge that women narratives can fit the characteristics of film noir just as well.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
A Fresh Take on the Past
Absolutely enjoyed reading Dangerous Days and Midnight in Silicon Valley from the collection of Los Angeles Noir. Right away I could see the characteristics in these Neo Noir stories that were similar to the classic noir we started with, and the differences that gives them a fresh perspective.
In classic noir, the obvious black and white filming differs from the newer Neo noir and it's life in color. Many similarities also exist, especially the crime, although in classic noir, the murders and malicious acts seem to be down played, while in Neo Noir in stories such as Dangerous Days, the crimes are viciously graphic and detailed. In the period of classic noir,there seen to be much more reservations about the way opinions and ideas are presented to the reader. Another similarity is the presence of the infamous Femme Fatale. Although they exist in both classic and Neo noir, in Neo noir, the venomous women seem to be much more sexually assertive and seeking to satisfy themselves sexually as well. In classic noir, it seemed that the women were all talk and no action, and in Neo noir, the femme fatales take things further sexually. Of course this is because of the way the scripting is done. Society has come to be very open sexually compared to previous times. Something that left an impression on me, and definitely proved to be a huge difference from classic noir and Neo noir, was the amount of blunt sexual remarks and ideas made throughout the story Dangerous Days. Don't get me wrong, I'm used to it, nowadays as we know, sex sells. Having been introduced to classic film noir and seeing the more reserved manner in which sexual situations are explained, it made me realize the straight to the point way that things are said and described now. It is definitely more acceptable nowadays and is actually desired by many. As we can see, there are many ways to compare and contrast the two.
There are many reasons to love both classic noir and Neo noir. Classic noir, gives off a sense of elegance and wonderfully represents it's era, while Neo noir gives new generations sassy new story lines that keep us hooked. Neo noir is very successful at reinventing something old like classic noir, into something new without killing the initial core that gave it life.
In classic noir, the obvious black and white filming differs from the newer Neo noir and it's life in color. Many similarities also exist, especially the crime, although in classic noir, the murders and malicious acts seem to be down played, while in Neo Noir in stories such as Dangerous Days, the crimes are viciously graphic and detailed. In the period of classic noir,there seen to be much more reservations about the way opinions and ideas are presented to the reader. Another similarity is the presence of the infamous Femme Fatale. Although they exist in both classic and Neo noir, in Neo noir, the venomous women seem to be much more sexually assertive and seeking to satisfy themselves sexually as well. In classic noir, it seemed that the women were all talk and no action, and in Neo noir, the femme fatales take things further sexually. Of course this is because of the way the scripting is done. Society has come to be very open sexually compared to previous times. Something that left an impression on me, and definitely proved to be a huge difference from classic noir and Neo noir, was the amount of blunt sexual remarks and ideas made throughout the story Dangerous Days. Don't get me wrong, I'm used to it, nowadays as we know, sex sells. Having been introduced to classic film noir and seeing the more reserved manner in which sexual situations are explained, it made me realize the straight to the point way that things are said and described now. It is definitely more acceptable nowadays and is actually desired by many. As we can see, there are many ways to compare and contrast the two.
There are many reasons to love both classic noir and Neo noir. Classic noir, gives off a sense of elegance and wonderfully represents it's era, while Neo noir gives new generations sassy new story lines that keep us hooked. Neo noir is very successful at reinventing something old like classic noir, into something new without killing the initial core that gave it life.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Back to Basics and New Adventures
Neo noir, classic noir, both spectacular in their own way. Classic noir being from the past and Neo noir from the present, both very captivating to the viewer. Classic noirs inspiration came largely from the events and status of the present time, back at that time, including World War II. While Neo noir, has the same idea but with the situations and aura from modern day. Both have incredible qualities that instantly make them hits.
A great example of classic noir is Double Indemnity. It was said to be one of the best of it's time. In classic noir there was lots of low lighting, and night time filming for night. A good example of Neo noir is Southland, a tv series about policemen and women working in Los Angeles. Within that show, you see crooked cops and lots of crime. While classic noir was filmed in black and white, Neo noir adds a splash of color, which adds some extra life to it. Quick camera movements are also a part of film noir, showing anxiety and desperateness by the characters. The music that is heard in the noir films is very inticing and gives a sense of claustrophobia and is quite chilling.
Whether you like classic noir, or Neo noir, they are both wonderfully developed ideas of film and they both seem to have been and continue to be very popular with the viewing audiences. Classic noir or neo noir, whatever era you feel like, there's one for you. The visuals and story lines are very well thought out, they draw you in even if you try to holdback. Noir...try it!
A great example of classic noir is Double Indemnity. It was said to be one of the best of it's time. In classic noir there was lots of low lighting, and night time filming for night. A good example of Neo noir is Southland, a tv series about policemen and women working in Los Angeles. Within that show, you see crooked cops and lots of crime. While classic noir was filmed in black and white, Neo noir adds a splash of color, which adds some extra life to it. Quick camera movements are also a part of film noir, showing anxiety and desperateness by the characters. The music that is heard in the noir films is very inticing and gives a sense of claustrophobia and is quite chilling.
Whether you like classic noir, or Neo noir, they are both wonderfully developed ideas of film and they both seem to have been and continue to be very popular with the viewing audiences. Classic noir or neo noir, whatever era you feel like, there's one for you. The visuals and story lines are very well thought out, they draw you in even if you try to holdback. Noir...try it!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
On Point Critique
The popularity of the film noir flick "Double Indemnity," can be clearly detected within the reading of any of the many film reviews that are out there. Whether you have been a film noir junkie since their debut, or you are new to this tone and mood, you are bound to be drawn in by the amazing storylines. A magnificent example of such an article is Notes on Film:Double Indemnity, by Thomas Caldwell.
Within the article, the author makes sure to point out the many "essential film noir ingredients," including the antihero, the femme fatale, and also the first person narrator. Film noir which translates into, "black film" in French, has many different elements that represent it, low-key lighting being one of which the author of Notes on Film:Double Indemnity explains. "Double Indemnity is an incredibly dark film with characters emerging from darkness, shadows obscuring the faces of the characters and a strong prevalence of Venetian blinds casting striped shadows over everything in shot." He goes on to explain, "...this use of shadows portrays the environment that the characters live in as dangerous and full of corruption, mystery, and violence, inhabited by people with dubious motives and ambiguous morals." The author creatively and clearly explains the themes that represent film noir to it's fullest. Reading the insights of the author, I felt even more compelled by the novel and movie than I already was. He accurately formulates the roles of Phyllis and Walter and disects the purpose of their roles in Double Indemnity. He beautifully explains Phyllis' character in his article by saying, "Barbara Stanwycks portrayal of Phyllis Dietrichson is still considered one of the all time great femme fatales as she perfectly embodies the seductress feigning helplessness who is gradually revealed to be manipulative and deadly." He also mentions that women were quite drawn to the idea of strong women, the "femme fatales" in these films, I can definitely see why the female audience felt that way. In some twisted way, the femme fatales seem too make women feel more empowered, they embody the characteristics that some women wished they carried.
All in all Thomas Caldwells article depicted Double Indemnity wonderfully. He appeared to be quite knowledgable on film noir and a fan at that. I absolutely enjoyed his article and believe a stranger to film noir or Double Indemnity would learn a great deal from the reading of Thomas Caldwells, Notes on Film: Double Indemnity.
Within the article, the author makes sure to point out the many "essential film noir ingredients," including the antihero, the femme fatale, and also the first person narrator. Film noir which translates into, "black film" in French, has many different elements that represent it, low-key lighting being one of which the author of Notes on Film:Double Indemnity explains. "Double Indemnity is an incredibly dark film with characters emerging from darkness, shadows obscuring the faces of the characters and a strong prevalence of Venetian blinds casting striped shadows over everything in shot." He goes on to explain, "...this use of shadows portrays the environment that the characters live in as dangerous and full of corruption, mystery, and violence, inhabited by people with dubious motives and ambiguous morals." The author creatively and clearly explains the themes that represent film noir to it's fullest. Reading the insights of the author, I felt even more compelled by the novel and movie than I already was. He accurately formulates the roles of Phyllis and Walter and disects the purpose of their roles in Double Indemnity. He beautifully explains Phyllis' character in his article by saying, "Barbara Stanwycks portrayal of Phyllis Dietrichson is still considered one of the all time great femme fatales as she perfectly embodies the seductress feigning helplessness who is gradually revealed to be manipulative and deadly." He also mentions that women were quite drawn to the idea of strong women, the "femme fatales" in these films, I can definitely see why the female audience felt that way. In some twisted way, the femme fatales seem too make women feel more empowered, they embody the characteristics that some women wished they carried.
All in all Thomas Caldwells article depicted Double Indemnity wonderfully. He appeared to be quite knowledgable on film noir and a fan at that. I absolutely enjoyed his article and believe a stranger to film noir or Double Indemnity would learn a great deal from the reading of Thomas Caldwells, Notes on Film: Double Indemnity.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Sweet...Or Bittersweet
So the end was approaching and it's now arrived. The end of Double Indemnity was very surprising to me. Even more so surprising, the outcome of the ill-fated relationship between Walter Huff and Phyllis Nirdlinger, oh and we can't forget Lola and Sachetti, they definitely played an important role in this whole mess that unfolded right before out eyes. Throughout the book, we've all had so many mixed emotions about the situations that have unravelled and the ending didn't fail to stun me just as much.
After plotting against Mr. Nirdlinger together with Phyllis, Walter now wanted to get her out of his way so he could move on with his life, alongside Lola. Silly of him to think that Phyllis wouldn't also want him out of her way. So after Walter is shot by Phyllis and ends up in the hospital, he spills the whole story to Keyes. He's hoping that by doing this, Lola wouldn't get mixed up in any of it, since she and Sachetti were found at the scene of the crime. Surprisingly, or maybe not so surprisingly, Keyes had decided to "help" Walter. "Now get this. There'll be a reservation for you, under a name I'll give you, on a steamer leaving San Pedro Thursday night for Balboa and points south. You take that steamer." (Pg.109) Now what is actually more uncanny, is that Phyllis is on that steamer with Walter, to his possible dismay. Now how can this be justified? There they are, these two cold blooded murderers, and it seems as though they've got off scotch free, or have they? When it comes to Phyllis, this is the story of her life, she sees no value in life, so she feels no guilt, because according to her, she was doing her husband a favor. She has a twisted mind and she recognizes that and doesn't seem to think it's a problem. "But there's something in me that loves Death. I think of myself as Death, sometimes." (Pg.18)On the other hand, Walter feels very guilty, he killed the father of the woman he loves, which was now Lola. He wasn't at peace within himself, it was eating away at him. I was rooting for Walter, I wanted him and Lola to go off together and live happily ever after. They truly seemed to have a healthy relationship based on "real love", not the lust that brought together Phyllis and Walter. Not as far as Lola was concerned, apparently she still loved Sachetti. Now that may be unjust of me to say, after all he was a killer, but to each his own. When it comes to Phyllis, she should have been detained by authorities and held responsible for all the "accidental" murders she had committed. She is heartless and deserves to suffer like she made so many suffer. What happened at the end with Phyllis and Walter, was not quite satisfying to me, although don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed every minute of it. I mean, with characters like them, we never get what we are expecting. Even if the reader comes away from the book thinking justice wasn't served, Walter and Phyllis will have to endure a life sentence, perhaps not in a jail cell, but within their own souls.
Whether we agree or disagree with the consequences that Walter and Phyllis did or did not have to face, we can all probably agree that this book was far greater than what we had bargained for. It captivates the reader from beginning to end, and leaves you wanting more. Too bad, all things must come to an end, and each reader can walk away having interpreted the end as sweet, or bittersweet......
After plotting against Mr. Nirdlinger together with Phyllis, Walter now wanted to get her out of his way so he could move on with his life, alongside Lola. Silly of him to think that Phyllis wouldn't also want him out of her way. So after Walter is shot by Phyllis and ends up in the hospital, he spills the whole story to Keyes. He's hoping that by doing this, Lola wouldn't get mixed up in any of it, since she and Sachetti were found at the scene of the crime. Surprisingly, or maybe not so surprisingly, Keyes had decided to "help" Walter. "Now get this. There'll be a reservation for you, under a name I'll give you, on a steamer leaving San Pedro Thursday night for Balboa and points south. You take that steamer." (Pg.109) Now what is actually more uncanny, is that Phyllis is on that steamer with Walter, to his possible dismay. Now how can this be justified? There they are, these two cold blooded murderers, and it seems as though they've got off scotch free, or have they? When it comes to Phyllis, this is the story of her life, she sees no value in life, so she feels no guilt, because according to her, she was doing her husband a favor. She has a twisted mind and she recognizes that and doesn't seem to think it's a problem. "But there's something in me that loves Death. I think of myself as Death, sometimes." (Pg.18)On the other hand, Walter feels very guilty, he killed the father of the woman he loves, which was now Lola. He wasn't at peace within himself, it was eating away at him. I was rooting for Walter, I wanted him and Lola to go off together and live happily ever after. They truly seemed to have a healthy relationship based on "real love", not the lust that brought together Phyllis and Walter. Not as far as Lola was concerned, apparently she still loved Sachetti. Now that may be unjust of me to say, after all he was a killer, but to each his own. When it comes to Phyllis, she should have been detained by authorities and held responsible for all the "accidental" murders she had committed. She is heartless and deserves to suffer like she made so many suffer. What happened at the end with Phyllis and Walter, was not quite satisfying to me, although don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed every minute of it. I mean, with characters like them, we never get what we are expecting. Even if the reader comes away from the book thinking justice wasn't served, Walter and Phyllis will have to endure a life sentence, perhaps not in a jail cell, but within their own souls.
Whether we agree or disagree with the consequences that Walter and Phyllis did or did not have to face, we can all probably agree that this book was far greater than what we had bargained for. It captivates the reader from beginning to end, and leaves you wanting more. Too bad, all things must come to an end, and each reader can walk away having interpreted the end as sweet, or bittersweet......
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