About Us - 'Dem Film Students

 From Left: Ng Pui Wah, Ho Wai Shyen, Diyana Chan, Lee Shin Shyuan (Nikki), Aaron Wong Kang Yong.

'Dem Film Students

From Left: Ho Wai Shyen, Joshua Tan, Nikki Lee

'Dem Cast

*Disclaimer this blog is for assignment purposes.

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History and Development

Films are the reflections of society. Whenever there is a societal shift, the changes can be seen in film; these changes in films are film movements. One of the most influential film movements that has continued its legacy is Film Noir.

What is Film Noir? When did Film Noir begin? Some critics have claimed that Film Noir is the successor of the American gangster films prevalent in the 1920s to 1930s (Hayward, 2013). The emergence of gangster film is due to the instability of socio-economy during the period of 1920s – 1930s. The act of gangsterism rose during the desperate times of the working class trying to achieve the American Dream. It all started from the American hard-boiled fiction that expresses the depression during that time through violence (Beinsen, 2005, p.17). Due to the moral panic state, the classic age of gangster films came to a halt. The Hays code was then represented to restrict the representation of crime and violence as the genre needed to be altered to emphasize on the triumph of the law over the outlaws. Thanks to the implementation of Hays Code, criminals were no longer allowed to occupy the central position in films which had seemingly reduced the violence shown in gangster films (Browne, 2000, p. 81). Consequently, the emergence of sub genres such as detective films and private investigators helps in the making of film noir.

Example of gangster films in the 1930s:

The Public Enemy (1931)

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Characteristics of Film Noir

Film Noir often has an unusual complex narrative where it associates with murder or other crime cases as their theme. The narrative of Film Noir carries the mood of the film that portrays evilness, guilt, fear, moral corruption and isolation. Guilt and fear are shown in the characters during their downfall. What often makes the film interesting are the allegations, suspicion, betrayals. Hence, the tone of film noir is usually dark and pessimistic. The dark and pessimistic themes reflect the social condition felt by the people during that time.

In film noir, characters are unclear because it is verified by the way their bodies are lit and framed: half in the shadows, uneven. Thus, the characters are normally brutal and corrupted, alienated, and ethically ambiguous (Hayward, 2013). The characteristics of the protagonist deviates from the normal Hollywood hero, they are in fact the opposite therefore they are commonly known as the anti-hero.The anti-hero is often associated as a private eye, government agent, gangsters and politicians. For instance, in the movie The Maltese Falcon (Huston, 1941) Sam Spade, the anti-hero, shows characteristics of a low morality person. He is greedy and selfish. We can see these characteristics when he stares at Ms. Wonderly's purse when she takes out the money to pay him. Besides that, he shows no sign of sadness when his partner is killed during the investigation. Instead he asks for Archer's name to be removed from the sign of his new "office". 

The Maltese Falcon (1941) by John Huston. Sam Spade,the anti hero, a Private Investigator with ambiguous morality.

Next, Film Noir has cinematography that highlights the idea of night-time photography with high-contrast lighting, occasional low-key lighting, with lots of shadows, just like how they employed these characteristics in German Expressionist film. The settings in Film Noir are mostly in cities (Sfetcu, 2014). Dark streets (usually damp and appear cold) and interiors where both are dimly lit with firmly framed  shots always as well as extreme camera angles to show that the city is filled with danger and corruption, the shadowy dark streets revealing the unclear ethical and intellectual principles in addition to the complexity in distinguish the reality (Hayward, 2012, p. 150). The key concept of German Expressionist films is to distort reality. However in Film Noir, the lightings and oblique angles are employed to show the distorted morality of people, how corrupted and dark they can really be as well as the rest of the world.

The Big Combo (1955) by Joseph H. Lewis.

Stylistic Night photography of film noir.

Lines from German Expressionist characteristics can be seen in Film Noir as well. However, the lines appear more subtle as compared to German Expressionist films. They employed lines in the settings, and clothing such as narrow alleyways with lines on the walls, window blinds and suits with printed lines. This is to show the tension, instability and confusion felt by the characters (Telotte, 1989, p.17). 

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) By Robert Wiene. Usage of exaggerated lines in German Expressionist Films.

 

The Maltese Falcon (1941) by John Huston. The usage of subtle lines in Film Noir.

The title "Femme fatale" is used to name the women with motives in film noir. They are mysterious, ambiguous and seductive; they charm their enthusiast and eventually lead them into fatal situation.  Thus, it gives a very crucial role to the femme fatale and makes them appear as authoritative, manipulating, seductive, smart, energetic, dominant and in control of her own sexuality (Hayward, 2013). Besides that, the women in Film Noir are only interested in their own agenda. They are often driven by greed, jealousy and lust (Hayward, 2013).


The representation of women in Film Noir is different from the classical Hollywood cinema. In classical Hollywood cinema, the representation of women is usually passive and weak (Hayward, 2013). The different representation of women Film Noir is a reflection of the women's empowerment in the social sphere during WWII. It questions the women's ability to be independent which has inspired some feminist thoughts in the society. However, it last until the ending where the femme fatale has to pay for what she has done through death or surrender themselves to the men (Hayward, 2013). This is to show the consequences face by the women if they ever try to challenge the patriarchy society or the men's world. 

At first, the women usually are the object to the anti hero’s investigation as they are crucial in the plot. However, it is not the women’s role in the plot that is under investigation, it focuses more on the women’s sexuality that disrupts the male pursuit for resolution (Hayward, 2013). It shows sexual identity and the division of power between men and women. Their roles are now reversed as women exert their power over the men. Due to the insecurities and lack of confidences of the men, they allow women to triumph over them (Hayward, 2013). These characteristics are the reflection of the women's empowerment and men's anxiety over the women's new place in the social sphere. As anti-heroes often involve themselves in uncertain situations, it becomes easier for the femme fatale to come in the picture to manipulate their goals. In the movie The Maltese Falcon (Huston, 1941), the femme fatale, Brigid O'Shaughnessy at first poses as a woman called Ruth Wonderly who seeks, the Private Investigator, Sam Spades' help. Later, she reveals her true identity to Sam after Archer's death. He then lets her to be apart of his investigation to look for her partner, Thursby. Later, he falls for her charming personality during the investigations. Things change when her real intentions falls into place, which is to get her hands on the Maltese Falcon. This shows how Sam's investigation is interrupted by Brigid's own hidden agendas.


In addition, these women always have properties like guns and cigarette holders with them just like the men in order to achieve what they want as they symbolize an unusual phallic power. Furthermore, women make their ways to be indulged in male spaces too as they always appear in the bars, casino. In the movie Memento (Nolan, 2000), Natalie mingles with the men in the bar where she works as a bartender.

Memento(2000) by Christopher Nolan. Natalie works as a bartender. 

As for costume and makeup, women might dress themselves like men with their customized suits with broad shoulder-pads; or they might appear in exaggerated stereotypical masks of women. For instance, wearing sexy,  clinging sequined evening gowns and fur coats to seduce the men so that they fall into their planned traps. For instance, in the film Double Indemnity (Wilder, 1944) Phyllis Dietrichson is wrapped in a towel when she first meet Walter, which has an effect on his attraction to her. Men are also attracted by the femme fatale's feminine charm. In the film, The Maltese Falcon (Huston, 1941) Sam Spade asks Brigid to drop her innocent school girl act when he figures out her motives.

Double Indemnity (1944) by Billy Wilder.

Phyllis Dietrichson wrapped in a towel.





Additionally, there is another type of female representation in Film Noir. This representation resembles the women in films during the Classical Hollywood Cinema. They are very honest and trustworthy as opposed to the femme fatale. This representation of the "good women" in Film Noir is to reinforce the idea that, women should be stay where they're supposed to be, that is inferior to the men. According to Place as cited by Hanson, Film Noir is a male fantasy, thus the definition of women is determined by her sexuality; either a sex kitten or a virgin (Hanson, 2007). The presence of the "good women" is also to highlight the dynamics of the femme fatale in film noir. In the movie The Maltese Falcon (Huston, 1941), Errie Perrine, the secretary of Sam Spade, is innocent, naive obviously inferior to Sam Spade. She plays a small role in his investigations and also lights his cigarettes. 

Film noir often uses non-linear editing and flashback to disrupt the typical narrative structure. This helps to disclose more information about the character’s past and brings suspense to the story. (Turim, 1991). The audience will not expect the plot twists ahead with the help of flashbacks. The use of voice-over and narration is also used in film noir. The usage of voice over is to allow the audience to listen to the character’s internal thought that is shown on screen. (Kuhn & Westwell, 2012). It helps to give the audiences a clearer background on the characters.

Two noir films with an interesting narrative:

Sunset Boulevard (1950) by Billy Wilder.

Sunset Boulevard is a Film Noir with an unconventional narrative. The film starts with  the narration of Joe Gillis, who is killed in the pool. He tells the story right up to his dead impending dead.



Here's the trailer:

Memento (2000), by Christopher Nolan.

Memento is a neo noir film. The narrative structure of this film is designed to be told in the flashback manner or non chronological manner with the help of narrations by Leonard Shelby.



Here's the Trailer:

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Video Tribute - Carousel of Love

The name of our video tribute is “Carousel of Love”. The word “Carousel” is used to metaphorically describe spinning sensation and instability caused by the decisions made by the characters. The word “Love” can be defined by the affections and attractions that felt by our characters. These two words depict the themes of the video we have made, “what goes around, comes around.” 

The video begins with Alaric meeting Rachel for the first time in the library. Alaric seems to be drawn to Rachel. Things escalate when Rachel walks into an empty classroom where Alaric is trying to study. She dresses provocatively with the attempt to seduce Alaric. Little does Alaric knows the intentions behind his seductive vixen girlfriend. After Rachel kills Alaric she makes a phone call to a mysterious person. The mysterious phone call turns out to be Anne, Alaric’s sister. Anne reveals her true intentions to Rachel. Rachel kills Anne as she feels betrayed and she ends up  getting locked up in an asylum.

The theme as mentioned above, revolves around the consequences of doing bad deeds, thus "what goes around, comes around". Rachel kills in the name of love, Alaric is killed due to his lust and Anne kills for her own greed and is killed for her betrayal. In the end, Rachel ends up getting locked up for her actions. The pessimistic tone is enhanced by the incorporation of Film Noir characteristics. 

The role of the femme fatale is blurred when the story reveals the mastermind behind the whole thing, which is Anne instead of Rachel. We have chose to use female characters as the main protagonist instead of the usual male to show more dynamics of the femme fatale. Thus, depicting the significance of girl/women power in the patriarchy society where the women will have the right to be in control. 
 

As can be seen in the video, most of the scenes shot are in narrow spaces to indicate the intimate relationship between the characters. For instance, the scene where Alaric and Rachel first meet in the library as well as the scene in the spiral staircase where Anne and Rachel meet. 

Besides that, we have also incorporated camera angles like such as extreme close up, close up, high and low angles. In this video, close up is used to show to the expression of the characters (Spicer & Hanson, 2013). This is shown when Anne smirks when as she peeks through the door. The used of high and low angles are to show the inequality status of the characters. Low angle is used when  Anne is talking to Rachel to show that she is dominant to her as she now gains power and wealth. Whereas high angle is used on Rachel as she is mocked by Anne.

High angle shows vulnerability

Low Angle shows dominance

Next, chiaroscuro lighting is used to indicate that something bad is about to occur. In a scene where Alaric is alone with Rachel in a room, harsh lighting is used to show that Alaric is about to die. Another scene is when Rachel awaits for Anne at the spiral staircase, to hint that something malice is about to happen.

 Chiaroscuro (Low-Key) lighting casts hard shadow.

Chiaroscuro Lighting.

Additionally, we have also incorporated lines in our mise-se-scene. For instance, the spiral staircase, costumes, books and shelves in the library. This is because oblique vertical and horizontal lines can generate some sense of tension and nervousness which are correlated to the 1920s German expressionist style adopted by Film Noir (Hayward, 2013).  

Lines from Book Shelf, Books and Costume.

Lines from Spiral Stairs.

Lastly, narrations play an essential role in Film Noir as it can help the audiences to understand better. The narration is heard in the beginning our video to show how the sequence of events happen to Rachel.

Here's our Video Tribute: 

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Conclusion

As a conclusion, Film Noir emerges due to societal changes; Cold War, WWI and the post WWII. The pessimistic tone is the reflection of the social condition of the time. For instance, the anxiety felt by men after their return from war due to the women’s empowerment in the workforce. Film Noir adapts German expressionism subtly. It also revolves around the french "poetic realism" that makes it a dark film and also often revolves in crime. Therefore, the lighting and settings enhance the dark theme. Femme fatale always disrupts the men’s goal. They are ambitious and moral ambiguous. They seduce the men where they lure them into their trap by engaging in lust. Film noir is done in black and white. However, the neo-noir, which is the reformation of film noir in the latest industry is done in colour. The use of narration and flashback is one of the significant characteristics that enhances Film noir. Thus, the combination of all these characteristics is what made Film Noir what it is. 

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Reference

Books

1. Biesen, S. C. (2005). Blackout: Worldwar II and Origins of Film Noir. JHU Press.

2. Bordwell, D., & Thompson, K. (2013). Film Art An Introduction (10th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. 

3. Corner, M. (n.d.). Film Noir as Genre: Problems and Approaches - MUBI. Retrieved August 9, 2014, from https://mubi.com/lists/film-noir-as-genre-problems-and-approaches.

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