The Sheila Variations

Film Noir

An extensive essay on the qualities of film noir, along with reviews of 10 noir classics:

The Big Heat
The Big Sleep
The Big Combo
Double Indemnity
Force of Evil
Gun Crazy
Lady from Shanghai
Pickup on South Street
Shadow of a Doubt
Sweet Smell of Success

I particularly liked this quote from the wack-job genius Paul Schrader, in an essay he wrote about noir: "No character can speak authoritatively from a space which is continually being cut into ribbons of light."

I also completely agree with Martin Scorsese's assessment of John Garfield in Force of Evil - that NOBODY portrayed guilt on the American screen better than Garfield. Great observation. Garfield palpitates with guilt (actually, that's something he brought to a lot of his work - like in Postman Always Rings Twice - the dude is tormented).

Noir fans, these are some great reviews. Check them out.

There's also shorter reviews on additional noirs. Very good to see Humphrey Bogart get props for his performance in In a Lonely Place which I personally think was his best work.

Posted by sheila