Film noir is a style or genre of cinematographic film marked by a mood of pessimism, fatalism and menace. It is used primarily to describe stylised Hollywood crime dramas, particularly those that emphasise cynical attitudes and motivations.
A classical Noir movie example would be :
Touch of Evil
A Neo Noir movie example would be :
Absence of Malice
Film Noir is a term relating to black and white gangster/crime films that are mostly filmed in the 1940s-1950s, the ‘Golden Age of Hollywood’. They are associated with a low-key, black and white style that has roots in the German Expressionist style.
Example of Classic Film Noir
Shadow of Doubt (1943) – Alfred Hitchcock
Example of Neo Noir
Frenzy (1972) – Alfred Hitchcock
Film noir: a style of filmmaking with defining characteristics like being in black and white, and high contrast lighting. This genre is commonly stylised crime dramas and gangster films.
E.g. 1: Classic noir:
E.g. 2: Neo-noir:
1.Why did film makers and producers move to Hollywood?
-The mountains, plains and low land prices made Hollywood a good place to establish film studios.
Name some of the big stars, directors and pictures from the Silent Era of Hollywood?
-Charlie Chaplin
Produced his own films did the sound and sets for them. Charlie did his own stunts as well. Charlie Chaplin was one of the greatest and widely loved silent movie stars. From ‘Easy Street’ to ‘Modern Times’. He also made many of the funniest and most popular films of his time. He was best known for his character, the naive and lovable Little Tramp.
-Clara Bow
Actor- Clara Gordon Bow was an American actress who rose to stardom during the silent film era of the 1920s and successfully made the transition to ‘talkies’ in 1929.
-Douglas Fairbanks
Action hero and he did all his own stunts. Douglas Elton Fairbanks Sr. was an American actor and filmmaker best known for being the first actor to play the masked Vigilante Zorro and other swashbuckling roles in silent films. One of the biggest stars of the silent era, Fairbanks was referred to as ‘The King of Hollywood’.
In what ways were the early Hollywood studio system like a factory or production line or even the Premier League?
-The studio system operated like a factory, with stars, directors, writers, and crew all working under long-term contracts.
Why did the end of the silent era cause problems for some performers working in the film industry?
-Due to the unsuitability of their voice and/or acting abilities with the new medium.
What was happening in America(and around the world) at this time?
In America at the time the country’s wealth doubled from 1920-1929. Although in the 1930s the great depression hit and America suffered its largest struggles it had seen as a nation. World War 1 was also happening. It started in 1914 up until 1918.
Golden Age of Hollywood 1930- 1947
The five big Hollywood studios where – Paramount Pictures, Warner Brothers Studios, MGM, 20th Century Fox and RKO.
9/10
Amazing film. I highly recommend it to watch. The romance mixed in with war is very gripping. A scene I remember is when it was a flash back from Casablanca to Paris. The editing towards this section is smooth and understandable.
Humphrey Bogart
Ingrid Bergman – Ilsa Lund
Paul Henreid – Victor Laszlo
Peter Lorre – Ugarte
Claude Rains – Captain Louis Renualt
Film Noir a cinematic term used primarily to describe stylized Hollywood crime dramas, particularly those that emphasize cynical attitudes and motivations. The 1940s and 1950s are generally regarded as the “classic period” of American film noir.
(Strangers on a train)
NEO-FILM NOIR. Neo-noir is a film genre that adapts the visual style and themes of 1940s and 1950s American film noir for contemporary audiences, often with more graphic depictions of violence and sexuality. This modern take on a classic technique allows for directors to explore amore sleazy and dark style.
Definition- a genre or style of film that is typically a thriller or detective film made mainly during 1944-1954 that are in black and white. The use of black and white is usually done to visually show the divide between a good and evil force. The characters are usually pessimistic or menacing.
Classic Noir:
Strangers on a Train -1951
Neo Noir:
The Lighthouse – 2019
film noir: a style or genre of film defined by its themes of cynicism, crime, and mystique.
film noir (classic)
neo-noir
Film Noir: a type of crime film featuring cynical malevolent characters in a sleazy setting and an ominous atmosphere that is conveyed by shadowy photography and foreboding background music
The Third Man: 1949
Blood Simple: 1985
Critical Score: 9.3/10
This film is most certainly a masterpiece of film-making and one of the best films of the era of classical Hollywood. It certainly uses the idea of ‘invisible editing’ to full effect, as watching it you do truly feel like you’re in Casablanca and not on a studio lot in Hollywood. Also, the camerawork is simply sublime, truly adding to the immersiveness of watching this film. Furthermore, the film’s story and script is extremely well written, as not only is there a plethora of famous and rememberable and lines but watching it you do definitely care about what’s going to happen the characters in the film, as they are all so well written. Though the acting in the film may be seen as overdone and exaggerated at times, I believe it is some of the best of the era, especially Humphrey Bogart as the brooding bar owner Rick Blaine, who’s performance is truly a treat to watch for the viewer. And finally, I think another element of the film that is truly masterful is it’s soundtrack, composed by Max Steiner, who also composed the soundtrack for King Kong (1933) and Gone With The Wind (1939).
Memorable Scene
The most memorable scene/sequence for me is when Rick flashbacks to his and Ilsa’s time that they shared in Casablanca. It is so memorable for me because when I was watching for the first time I found it simply amazing to finally find out what happened between Rick and Ilsa in Paris. Another reason why I find it so good is because there are so many brilliant, well planned moments that tell the viewers Rick’s desire to still be Ilsa in Paris, and how he desires to go back to those times and still be with her. This is evidenced by the parallel drawn by the director/producer when in the flashback Ilsa knocks over the bottle of champagne, which is then mirrored by Rick knocking over his bottle of whiskey. This shows to the audience that Rick most definitely longs for those times back in Paris, as well as drawing attention to the depression and sadness Ilsa’s rejection caused him, as in this sequence he is pictured drinking whiskey alone.
