My significant other was in charge of getting these tickets for us on opening night. He chose an 11:45 PM showing. For a nearly 3 hour film. On a day that I worked. My faith that I would stay awake for the entire film was low. But, I was wrong. I was dead wrong. I was awake and enthralled for the full two hours and … Continue reading The Batman (2022): A Neo-Noir Beauty
A private detective hired to expose an adulterer in 1930s Los Angeles finds himself caught up in a web of deceit, corruption, and murder. This is a film that has, unfortunately, stood the test of time. I say “unfortunately” because the subject matter of a film released in 1974 that takes place in the 1930s is still relevant today. Unfortunately, Chinatown was also directed by Roman … Continue reading 21. Chinatown (1974)
An insurance representative lets himself be talked by a seductive housewife into a murder/insurance fraud scheme that arouses the suspicion of an insurance investigator. To me, Double Indemnity is the quintessential film noir. Although, this film was made before that term had ever even been used. It has everything that a film noir should have: narration, a femme fatale, an air of mystery, dramatic lighting, fast dialogue, … Continue reading 29. Double Indemnity (1944)
A private detective takes on a case that involves him with three eccentric criminals, a gorgeous liar, and their quest for a priceless statuette. I wonder if John Huston had any idea how much of a classic his directorial debut would be? The Maltese Falcon stars Humphrey Bogart as Private Investigator Sam Spade, Mary Astor as the femme fatale Brigid O’Shaughnessy, Gladys George as Iva Archer, Peter … Continue reading 31. The Maltese Falcon (1941)
“A blade runner must pursue and try to terminate four replicants who stole a ship in space and have returned to Earth to find their creator.” Talk about a neo-noir film. Not that I’m angry about it. I thought that it was fascinating how well this science fiction film paid homage to film noir’s of the 1940s and 1950s. It was obvious, but was folded … Continue reading 97. Blade Runner (1982)
