Author: Megan Oh
“Crime is just a left-handed form of human endeavor,”
Just one of the many lines that had me at the edge of my seat, The Asphalt Jungle was one of the first films that got me into the visual and cultural genre of film noir. As I discovered later, many of the diverse works of directors whom I enjoy take inspiration from this genre- from Brian De Palma’s many odes to Alfred Hitchcock in Phantom of the Paradise to Casablanca’s role in inspiring Tim Schafer’s work on Grim Fandango. Being able to put a face to a name, I’ve been slowly progressing my repertoire in both the classics and neo noir pictures over the past year. To celebrate the diversity in noir, I have compiled 4 films (plus bonuses) from around the world, one for each week of the month!
1. Sunset Boulevard (Billy Wilder, 1950) –
It would be a disservice to not include the film that solidified my love for noir and the femme fatale. The incredible portrayal of Norma Desmond played by Gloria Swanson brings her character to life, along with the entertaining and poignant dialogue. This film gives us a glimpse into the changing cultural tensions that arose from the switch to color television in the entertainment industry.
2. Forever with You | 그대와 永遠히 (Yu Hyun Mok, 1958) –
Forever with You is a time capsule of a movie, showing the love story of Gwangpil and Aeran in 50’s South Korea. The movie uses classic tunes like Que Sera Sera and Besame Mucho, illustrating the cultural diffusion in this transitory era. I especially liked the costuming that use both Korean hanboks and western style outfits. The themes of youthful promises and melancholic reality are captured so well in the acting and scene compositions of this film.
3. Tokyo Drifter (Seijun Suzuki, 1966) –
Classic themes of change, romance, and sacrifice are all represented in ex-gangster Tetsu. Tokyo Drifter starts out with the classic monochromatic style, then transforms the film into color to showcase the evolution of the world and Tetsu as he is now reformed. Stylish set designs and impeccable costuming (trenchcoats for everyone!) make a fun watch on a weekend night. Some of my favorite highlights include the translucent dance floor, a character navigating a rotary dial with a gun, and the iconic leitmotif the main character whistles.
4. Le Cercle Rouge (Jean-Pierre Melville, 1970) –
Le Cercle Rouge follows newly released criminal Corey in his plans for a jewelry heist after going back to the underworld, encountering other ex-convicts that join his plans. One of the most famous parts of this movie is a 30-minute heist scene with no music and no dialogue, focusing on suspenseful visual storytelling. However, I felt that the most charming scenes were when inspector Mattei fed his cats: Fiorello, Ofrène and Grifollet!
Bonus: Other ways to enjoy noir media that isn’t film!
Hotel Dusk: Room 215 –
This DS game that takes place in rural Nevada and follows jaded ex-NYPD detective Kyle Hyde as he attempts to find his missing partner. The personable use of rotoscoping and unmatched dialogue immerses you in the myriad of puzzles and connections the game provides. This is a personal favorite of mine because all of the characters are unique and have a rare unfiltered attitude, not to mention the memorable soundtrack!
Grim Fandango –
A classic 90’s PC point and click adventure game combining the culture of the Aztec afterlife with the stylization of noir, we explore the Land of the Dead as Manny Calavera works as an travel agent to help his client Meche escape to the Ninth underworld. The drama-laden plot with twists and plenty of crime partners well with the bebop style jazz.
My initial image of noir, like many others, was limited to the glamorous and parodied-to-death references to old Hollywood. Think cave allegory, with me being a prisoner only understanding shadows through janky shutters in 40’s NYC. Film noir may have a distinct style from a time past us, but its themes are as relevant as ever today and can provide philosophical insight in a stylish fashion!
Megan Oh | Music Reporter