Thriller In Film Noir
What Is Film Noir?
Defined by its striking use of light, pessimistic nature and sinister tone, film noir is a style of film-making that has etched its mark in the viewer’s hearts by its ability to capture the mood of post-war realism.
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| Double Indemnity is one of the most beloved film noirs. |
Film noir which literally translates into “black film” came into existence after World War 2, when movies dealt with the grim realities of the aftermath of war during the 1940s.
“In general, film noir refers to those Hollywood films of the Forties and early Fifties which portrayed the world of dark, slick city streets, crime and corruption.”
“ The disillusionment many soldiers, small businessmen and housewife/factory employees felt in returning to a peacetime economy was directly mirrored in the sordidness of the urban crime film.”
What Is Neo Noir?
The revival of this noir like style of filmmaking in the 1960s was termed as “neo noir” which established itself by it’s cynical take on society, ominous lighting and blurring of lines between good and evil.
“Neo-noirs use the elements of classical noir films,but present them in a context that is relatable to contemporary viewers.”
True Detective:A Case for Neo-noir by Alicia Berdan
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| Chinatown, starring Jack Nicholson one of the earliest neo-noirs. |
What Set's It Apart?
The style of film noir was used by filmmakers to explore themes of justice, revenge and wealth in a more nuanced manner. Most noirs contain a deeply flawed, pessimistic protagonist that subverts from audience perceptions of the law-abiding and do-good protagonist and blurs the line between antagonist and protagonists, good and evil & right and wrong.
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| Leonard Shelp in Nolan's "Memento" |
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| Llewelyn Moss in Coen Brothers' "No Country For Old Men" |
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| Sunset Boulevard is well known for it's disillusionment storyline of failed Hollywood movie writer Joe Gillis. |
Noir In Thriller
Since, film noir and neo noir are styles of filmmaking they are easily flexible and can be combined with the thriller genre, giving the audience the best of both worlds.
John Wick (2014)
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| Keanu Reeves as John Wick |
The American neo-noir, action thriller captured the hearts of many by its epic action sequences, car chases, carefully crafted dialogues and moving storyline. Instead of just relying of action scenes to make up for a revenge plot, the emotional storyline that surrounds Wick in the film is what truly stands out the most and allows us to connects with him.
Stream this movie on Netflix now for some Keanu Reeves magic.
Batman: The Dark Knight:(2008)(Spoiler Alert)
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| Heath Ledger as The Joker and Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne AKA Batman |
Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy is one of the greatest superhero movies of all time. Set in the crime laden Gotham City, Batman must fight his way to take take down Joker who represents a threat to the city. The ending of the film is tragic as Bruce Wayne loses Rachel Dawes and Batman takes the fall for Harvey's actions. The film explores the what justice means in the grim city of Gotham in a post 9/11 America.
Manorama: Six Feet Under (2007)
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| Abhay Deol as Satyaveer |
The Indian neo-noir, thriller is inspired by Roman Polanski's neo-noir film "Chinatown" starring Jack Nicholson. Although the film was initially met with critical acclaim it soon became a cult classic. The film is filled plot twists, character disillusionment and beautiful cinematography which was way ahead of it's time for Bollywood cinema.
You can stream this movie on Netflix and be amazed by Abhay Deol's intelligent, mature and charismatic acting.
The Future Of Film Noir
Film noir is a style of filmmaking that will only evolve with time as it gives an immense creative freedom and drive to the filmmakers.
"Film noir was an immensely creative period- probably the most creative in Hollywood's history- at least, if this creativity is measured not by its peaks but by its median level of artistry."“Taken as a whole period, film noir achieved an unusually high level of artistry. Film noir seemed to bring out the best in everyone: directors, cameramen, screenwriters, actors. Again and again, a film noir will make the high point on an artist's career graph”
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