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Film Noir Guide: 745 Films of the Classic Era 1940-1959

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Film noir, a genre characterized by its dark, pessimistic themes, cynical characters, and atmospheric cinematography, emerged in the 1940s as a reflection of the post-war disillusionment and anxiety. This guide presents a comprehensive overview of 745 classic film noir films released from 1940 to 1959.

Film Noir Guide: 745 Films of the Classic Era, 1940-1959

by Michael F. Keaney

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Language	:	English
File size	:	75679 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	552 pages

Characteristics of Film Noir

* Dark and Gritty Settings: Film noir often takes place in urban environments, characterized by dimly lit streets, seedy bars, and shadowy alleys, creating a sense of danger and claustrophobia. * Cynical and Hard-Boiled Characters: The protagonists of film noir are often flawed and disillusioned individuals, such as private detectives, criminals, and femme fatales, driven by greed, desperation, or a thirst for revenge. * Femme Fatales: Powerful and seductive women often play a central role in film noir, using their charisma and allure to manipulate and betray the male protagonists. * Ambiguous Morality: Right and wrong are often blurred in film noir, with characters having complex motivations and committing both good and bad actions. * Atmospheric Cinematography: Film noir is known for its distinctive black-and-white cinematography, featuring high-contrast lighting, deep shadows, and tilted camera angles, creating a sense of unease and tension.

Key Films of the Classic Era

* Double Indemnity (1944): Directed by Billy Wilder, this classic crime noir follows the story of an insurance salesman who conspires with a seductive widow to murder her husband. * The Maltese Falcon (1941): John Huston's adaptation of the Dashiell Hammett novel stars Humphrey Bogart as a private detective entangled in a dangerous search for a priceless statuette. * The Third Man (1949): Carol Reed's atmospheric masterpiece follows an American writer who travels to post-war Vienna to investigate the mysterious death of his friend. * Kiss Me Deadly (1955): Robert Aldrich's hard-boiled noir stars Ralph Meeker as a private detective who becomes embroiled in a deadly conspiracy involving a radioactive substance. * Sunset Boulevard (1950): Billy Wilder's scathing indictment of Hollywood follows an aging silent film star who clings to her faded glory with the aid of a young screenwriter.

Influences of Film Noir

Film noir has had a profound impact on subsequent genres and filmmakers. Its gritty realism and cynical characters can be seen in crime thrillers, detective stories, and even contemporary neo-noir films. The iconic imagery and themes of film noir continue to inspire and engage audiences around the world.

745 Films of the Classic Era

This guide provides detailed information on 745 classic film noir films released from 1940 to 1959, including:

* Title * Release year * Director * Cast * Plot summary * Critical analysis * Poster image with alt text

This comprehensive guide to classic film noir provides an invaluable resource for film scholars, enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the history of this influential genre. With detailed information and analysis of 745 films, this guide offers a journey through the dark and captivating world of film noir.

A Classic Film Noir Poster Featuring A Femme Fatale And A Hard Boiled Detective In A Shadowy Urban Setting Film Noir Guide: 745 Films Of The Classic Era 1940 1959