Fri, 4 September 2009 Input from listeners helps Clute and Edwards to select shows for
discussion, and to improve the content of their analysis. To leave a
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Clute and Edwards off-line (clute@noircast.net and edwards@noircast.net). Category: Movies -- posted at: 1:49 PM Comments[176] |
Hello.
Just wanted to let you know that I most certainly enjoy your podcast. I can't find many points of critique - other than the early bits of the Maltese Falcon edition (which was the first episode I listened to) sounded a bit stilted as if you were reading scripts - but this is not an issue, generally. (I take it you're both lecturers, so I suppose you're used to talking in a way so others can understand you - well, thinking back on some of my lecturers, there probably isn't a link there afterall...).
What I find great is that your approach is analytical, rather than just reviewing the entertainment value of a given film - and that your focus is on classic film.
Your work is definitely appreciated. Cheers.
Just wanted to let you know that I most certainly enjoy your podcast. I can't find many points of critique - other than the early bits of the Maltese Falcon edition (which was the first episode I listened to) sounded a bit stilted as if you were reading scripts - but this is not an issue, generally. (I take it you're both lecturers, so I suppose you're used to talking in a way so others can understand you - well, thinking back on some of my lecturers, there probably isn't a link there afterall...).
What I find great is that your approach is analytical, rather than just reviewing the entertainment value of a given film - and that your focus is on classic film.
Your work is definitely appreciated. Cheers.
Hello! Been enjoying the podcasts. I like the emphasis on film analysis rather than review. Some constructive criticism: I have noticed you both spend a fair amount of time in each cast "setting up" the coming analysis, e.g. saying "I'll be discussing..." or "I'll return to this point later" which in the short format is time wasted. I'd love to have you dive right in, be more fluid. And you tend to agree alot, just divvying up various points about the film (one does cinematography one does history). I'd like to hear more debate, outright disagreement, even arguing. Good job so far!
posted by: Paul on Sun, 9/4 11:48 PM EDT
Strange. For some reason my post never made it to the board. I'll have to write it again.
I have only listened to OOTP and DI so far, but I'm enjoying it a lot. DI is one of my all time favorites, and you really did it justice. I thought I knew most of what there was to know about it, but I hadn't even reflected over Stanwyck wearing pants later on. Great stuff.
The one problem with the Podcasts have been "pause sounds". Most notably Richard's many "umms" in the DI episode, probably caused by over excitement. It's only natural to do this, it makes it feel more fluid. To the listener though it has the opposite effect. It's much better to just stay silent for a second while you gather your thoughts.
I suppose this is something that gets better with time, so I'll shut up about it and go listen to the rest of the episodes instead. In any case it's a professional Podcast that's much appreciated.
Thanks, and keep up the good work.
I have only listened to OOTP and DI so far, but I'm enjoying it a lot. DI is one of my all time favorites, and you really did it justice. I thought I knew most of what there was to know about it, but I hadn't even reflected over Stanwyck wearing pants later on. Great stuff.
The one problem with the Podcasts have been "pause sounds". Most notably Richard's many "umms" in the DI episode, probably caused by over excitement. It's only natural to do this, it makes it feel more fluid. To the listener though it has the opposite effect. It's much better to just stay silent for a second while you gather your thoughts.
I suppose this is something that gets better with time, so I'll shut up about it and go listen to the rest of the episodes instead. In any case it's a professional Podcast that's much appreciated.
Thanks, and keep up the good work.
I have now listened to all of your episodes, and you are getting better and better. The "pause sounds" I mentioned are now almost completely gone.
Batman Begins is your only weak episode in my opinion. There just aren't enough examples to support your opinions on the movie. Only towards the end do you mention that Wayne changes completely as he becomes Batman, undercutting some of what you've been saying about him. To me he loses all his depth at this point, and is no longer anything of a noir protagonist. And what's with that awful studio feeling of Gotham City? It felt lifeless, and not in a good way.
Needless to say I was very disappointed with Batman Begins. I was hoping for your podcast to help me understand what's so great about it, but I'm afraid it didn't.
Still an enjoyable episode though. Much better than the movie.
I should mention that I tend to like Nolan's work. Memento is great, and Insomnia is pretty decent even though it has two of the worst over actors in film history. And let's not forget Nolan's feature length debute Following. That one's even in black and white.
Batman Begins is your only weak episode in my opinion. There just aren't enough examples to support your opinions on the movie. Only towards the end do you mention that Wayne changes completely as he becomes Batman, undercutting some of what you've been saying about him. To me he loses all his depth at this point, and is no longer anything of a noir protagonist. And what's with that awful studio feeling of Gotham City? It felt lifeless, and not in a good way.
Needless to say I was very disappointed with Batman Begins. I was hoping for your podcast to help me understand what's so great about it, but I'm afraid it didn't.
Still an enjoyable episode though. Much better than the movie.
I should mention that I tend to like Nolan's work. Memento is great, and Insomnia is pretty decent even though it has two of the worst over actors in film history. And let's not forget Nolan's feature length debute Following. That one's even in black and white.
Fantastic job. I've listened to 3 episodes so far, and have enjoyed them all. Your knowledge of the genre really comes through, as does your enthusiasm. My only complaint is not one at all, really - I wish they were longer. As you've said, there's so much to discuss about these films, you couldn’t possibly cover everything in one episode; perhaps different aspects of one film could be discussed in multiple episodes?
posted by: Ralph on Wed, 9/7 09:48 PM EDT
Hey Guys,
I enjoy the show and keep listening every week. That being said, here is some constructive criticism:
Richard - please stop spending so much time setting up what you are going to say - say it, and move on. You'll get more content in the program, and you'll frustrate the listener less.
Shannon - I frequently wonder why you all use the word "Thematic" when "theme" would seem more appropriate. No need to artificially insert intellectual-sounding lingo. Your points are astute.
In general - I REALLY think the whole "debate" over whether film noir is a style or a genre is VERY TIRED. It is a style, plain and simple. The proof of this assertion is also simple. You can do a comedy in the style of film noir, you can do a thriller in the style of film noir, you can do a science fiction film in the style of film noir, etc., etc. Please - no more debating this point.
Please do a program on "Body Heat" a great modern noir. And please check out "Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid" for some real fun.
Thanks guys, and keep up the good work!
Mango
I enjoy the show and keep listening every week. That being said, here is some constructive criticism:
Richard - please stop spending so much time setting up what you are going to say - say it, and move on. You'll get more content in the program, and you'll frustrate the listener less.
Shannon - I frequently wonder why you all use the word "Thematic" when "theme" would seem more appropriate. No need to artificially insert intellectual-sounding lingo. Your points are astute.
In general - I REALLY think the whole "debate" over whether film noir is a style or a genre is VERY TIRED. It is a style, plain and simple. The proof of this assertion is also simple. You can do a comedy in the style of film noir, you can do a thriller in the style of film noir, you can do a science fiction film in the style of film noir, etc., etc. Please - no more debating this point.
Please do a program on "Body Heat" a great modern noir. And please check out "Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid" for some real fun.
Thanks guys, and keep up the good work!
Mango
I've just gotten into film noir recently, and I was looking for a podcast dealing specifically with those, so yours saved me. I love your episodes. I have to disagree with you about the Third Man, however, you said that the lines between good and evil are clearly defined? Not true. To me, it wouldn't have to be a choice at all, like it was to Cotten, whether to help the cops or Lime, while it took him a long time to decide. If the lines were clearly defined, it wouldn't be a choice either for the good to help the evil, unless the good guy wasn't completely good at all. If that makes sense. Sorry, I just have to give my $0.02
Mango: sorry but the genre vs style issue isn't as easy as you make it sound. It's much debated, even between people with great knowledge of film noir. This makes it appropriate to talk about in a podcast (or two). Those that are new to film noir but want to know more should know of this issue in my opinion. No less so since film noir is often considered a genre by media.
On top of this; if a particular movie is film noir or not is probably the most debated issue in the film noir community. And the style vs genre debate can help us reach a conclusion. But so can other aspects of noir. So I agree it's something Shannon and Richard should probably avoid discussing now that they already have. Otherwise they might end up saying the same thing over and over again.
Personally I'd say neither is false, nor correct. It's just two ways of looking at the phenomenon that is called film noir. Both can learn us something about it.
On top of this; if a particular movie is film noir or not is probably the most debated issue in the film noir community. And the style vs genre debate can help us reach a conclusion. But so can other aspects of noir. So I agree it's something Shannon and Richard should probably avoid discussing now that they already have. Otherwise they might end up saying the same thing over and over again.
Personally I'd say neither is false, nor correct. It's just two ways of looking at the phenomenon that is called film noir. Both can learn us something about it.
I really have no complaints. You discuss movies the way I would love to. I love noir, and want to learn more, so this is a great podcast. One suggestion: boost your audio levels. I don't know what you're recording on, but your audio levels are way too low, and I have to pump up my volume way too high. If you need some help with that, just let me know.
Keep up the great work!
Keep up the great work!
posted by: Chris of The Martini Shot on Tue, 9/13 07:44 PM EDT
I've enjoyed every episode. Your choices have been outstanding. I had never really thought of "The Third Man" as a noir and you have convinced me that it isn't. The discussion was great though. Some suggestions: The Grifters, Prizzi's Honor, Born to Kill, Rififi, Blood Simple, Red Rock West, The Big Sleep, The Big Lebowski (comedy noir).
Hey guys -- been enjoying the casts. Keep it up. I've listened to about 4 or 5 already. I put them on the mp3 player on my phone and listen to them while I walk the streets of Manhattan. great stuff. I agree with the other listener who said they audio is too low. It is definitely lower than other podcasts that I subscribe to. Also, I agree with Harald the Swede: you don't have to worry about that old debate of whether something is a true noir or not (and the issue of style vs genre). Just go with the material and don't worry about whether or not it IS or ISN'T. (For example, too much time was wasted in the Third Man about this. And too much time was needed to justify why you're choosing Blade Runner). Don't worry about that. Just get on with the good stuff. As for suggestions --- maybe not just another movie but a "category" or mini-genre of Noir. Like... JOHN ALTON or ROBERT MITCHUM or THE B-MOVIE or THE EUROPEAN INFLUENCE etc etc
Good show guys, Very very solid. I love the fact that you really know what you're talking about and that you can pull the fine details out of even names. I look forward to hearing the next show and am wondering if you are open to any film noir scripts which could perhaps be critiqued? I think that you should make the show longer as well, but that is just my personal opinion.
I really enjoy the podcast. I also like the format very much - one movie per. Like most of the other comments, I have one bit of criticism. As a philosopher, I found it very off-putting to hear 'existentialist' pronounced 'ex-tis-tentialist'. I would have put if off to a mere slip had it not happened several times during the podcast. And, like most other comments, I have a few suggestions. It seems to me that there are exceptionally good examples of the film noir in the European cinema, Rififi especially, but also films like Le Cercle Rouge, Touches pas Au Grisbi!, Le Trou, Bob le Flameur, etc. I wonder if you wouldn't consider doing one or two of those?
Your podcast is my absolute favorite of all that i have found thus far. Now that i have finished all the recorded eps thus far, i have found myself looking on iTunes for another podcast that consists of critical analysis of film and there is nothing in the same universe as Out of The Past. My only wish and criticism is that i wish you guys make more episodes more often!
Guys...outstanding podcast. The best on the net. I discovered you about a week ago and can't get enough.
Funny thing...I wrote a paper on the Big Lebowski-Big Sleep comparison about three years ago in grad school. I CANNOT WAIT FOR THAT EPISODE.
I am forwarding your podcast links to a film professor who just happened to have written his dissertation at NYU on film noir. He is going to love these shows.
Keep up the great work,
Jeff D.
PS: One suggestion...MAKE THE PODCASTS A LITTLE LONGER..PLEASE!
Funny thing...I wrote a paper on the Big Lebowski-Big Sleep comparison about three years ago in grad school. I CANNOT WAIT FOR THAT EPISODE.
I am forwarding your podcast links to a film professor who just happened to have written his dissertation at NYU on film noir. He is going to love these shows.
Keep up the great work,
Jeff D.
PS: One suggestion...MAKE THE PODCASTS A LITTLE LONGER..PLEASE!
Fantastic guys! I just ran across your podcast site today (10/25/05) for the very first time. As I am at work, I was only able to listen to "Bladerunner" (one of my all time favorites...as I am investigating writing a book on what I call Psy-Fi). I look forward to getting caught up with all the archived podcasts when I get home tonight.
All of the above suggestions are great...might I also suggest "Ride the Pink Horse", "The Mask of Dimetrios" in the classic vein.
All of the above suggestions are great...might I also suggest "Ride the Pink Horse", "The Mask of Dimetrios" in the classic vein.
I stumbled on the Out of the Past podcasts quite by accident and now anxiously await each new episode. I've been a film noir fan for years, but your podcasts have brought me back to revisit old favorites with fresh eyes and to discover a few I hadn't yet seen. If you do teach a film noir course, I will very much wish I could attend; however that's not likely to be possible, so your podcasts and my DVDs together are the next best thing.
I hope you record many many more film noir podcasts, and I hope others follow your example in producing "lectures on the go." THANK YOU!
I hope you record many many more film noir podcasts, and I hope others follow your example in producing "lectures on the go." THANK YOU!
Great stuff. Film noir fans, movie lovers, students and scholars may also enjoy checking out http://noirbooks.blogspot.com/
Many thanks.
Many thanks.
posted by: noiruniverse on Wed, 11/23 03:59 AM EST
hi, i don't know if this is the place to ask, but i'm a highschool student and i want to do a philosophy project on film noir. while these are great, it's not exactly what i'm looking for. does anyone know of a text- book or article, that deals with philosophy in film noir? i would appreciate any answer. thanks, rafi from israel
The Out Of The Past: Investigating Film Noir podcast is as addictive as it is detailed. This is the best film podcast out there. And I agree with my fellow listeners above the volume is a little too low and these podcsasts need to be longer if possible.
posted by: Jesse on Mon, 11/28 05:52 PM EST
I for one don't feel the podcasts should be longer. You could discuss any one of these movies for hours, but that would be more dissecting film noir, than investigating. Having it the way it is makes it more accessible. It's much easier to find time to listen to a 30 minute show, than say a one hour show. Plus there are tons of books out there on film noir for those that want to know more.
Other possible drawbacks of making it longer are higher risk of rambling, and you not finding the time to release your podcast as often. Investigating a high number of movies I feel is key, since film noir a term that is hard to nail down compared to say the romance or western genres.
Keep up the good work, and hope to see you during Noir City 4.
Other possible drawbacks of making it longer are higher risk of rambling, and you not finding the time to release your podcast as often. Investigating a high number of movies I feel is key, since film noir a term that is hard to nail down compared to say the romance or western genres.
Keep up the good work, and hope to see you during Noir City 4.
I saw your "e-mail offline" comment above, but I don't see an e-mail address here. Tired old eyes, maybe. However, if you can drop me a line, I have a couple of questions too "academic" to most readers, concerning something I'm writing, about a rather dark pre-code (pre-noir?) film. (Film isn't my usual subject, as my blog link above demonstrates.) Meanwhile, I've just downloaded a bunch of your podcasts for semester-break listening. Sounds like a terrific idea, and you come highly recommended.
posted by: Bob in Knoxville on Thu, 12/15 06:36 PM EST
Love the installments so far. It really makes my commute go by faster. Unlike some DVD buyers, I live for the extras, in particularly the commentary tracks, when given by the right person(s). Listening to you both gives me the same satisfaction. It is the closest that I will probably come to taking a film course. NOIR is my favorite.
Would love to hear you guys discuss "Shadow of a Doubt", Chinatown" (my fav) and "Mildred Pierce"
Would love to hear you guys discuss "Shadow of a Doubt", Chinatown" (my fav) and "Mildred Pierce"
I have been using these great podcasts as a study guide to my film noir collection. I normally listen to the podcast both before and after viewing the film. Yet I am missing a synchronized way to listen during the film. Your description of the opening scene of Gun Crazy almost worked in situ, but the commentary was a bit faster than the scene. Some DVDs, like Gun Crazy, have commentary tracks already, but others do not.
Have you considered a synchronized commentary, or some other method for listeners to also watch?
Have you considered a synchronized commentary, or some other method for listeners to also watch?
Great show! You guys know what you are talking about and do good analysis. However you guys agree a lot, perhaps one of you could play the devils advocite once in a while. Also if you could make the podcast longer that would be nice. It would be really cool if you did a podcast on Chinatown (neo-noir, but GREAT movie!)
I really appreciate all the work that goes into this. On the internet there is general lack of all things scholarly when it comes to pre-70s film. This podcast is singular in its excellence.
I wonder if you guys have considered doing a show on Night of the Hunter. Again, not fully a noir but perhaps valiant stab at post-war America trying to remember its pre-war past.
Thanks again.
I wonder if you guys have considered doing a show on Night of the Hunter. Again, not fully a noir but perhaps valiant stab at post-war America trying to remember its pre-war past.
Thanks again.
I couldnt find an e-mail address for this suggestion so I guess I'll post it here. I wanted to suggest doing a special podcast on Orson Welles' Mr. Arkadin. It would make a wonderful podcast with the Criterion Collection release of The Complete Mr. Arkadin Box set with 3 different cuts of the film, original radio inspiration and novelization of the movie.
I continue to enjoy the podcast, and I've heard almost every episode. I wonder if you guys might consider Kasdan's "Body Heat"? The parallels with "Double Indemnity" seem too obvious even to mention, but I've always found "Body Heat" quite distinctive.
posted by: Dale on Tue, 6/6 01:25 AM EDT
just discovered your show & really appreciate it. i returned recently from the palm springs noir fest where i was finally able to see Ace in the Hole. i hope you'll do a show on this unusual noir. i am mostly interested in the B pictures and/or more obscure noirs. would love to hear shows on Detour, Pitfall, Black Angel, and the like. Also would like shows on particular noir actors, cinematographers, directors, as well as guests to your show like Eddie Muller. thanks again!
I found your podcasts a few months back. I completed listening to all of them. I have been a fan since seeing Sunset Blvd as a teenager on Public TV. I would love to hear you comment on any of Billy Wilder, Hitchcock, Ida Lupino directed or Edgar Ulmer film. My husband favorite noir is Detour, because it is so hopeless. I like Tension, Shadow of a Doubt and Pickup on South Street. BTW, thanks for doing Laura, my all time favorite. I love Vincent Price described as "a male beauty in distress". Keep up the good work! See you in September.
I'd like to suggest discussing the French 1962 crime thriller "Le Doulos" aka "The Finger Man" by renowned director Jean-Pierre Melville. While the movie is French and it is post-Touch Of Evil I find it to be as noir as it gets. If you just look at the opening credits sequence in which Jean-Paul Belmondo comes out of the shadows walking under a bridge it is pure noir. It has ample tough-guy dialogue and presents a very cynical outlook on life: "One must choose. Die… or lie?" Both in terms of themes and in terms of cinematography it is much darker than Rififi which you recently discussed. It is available on R2 DVD.
I enjoy podcasts where newer films are compared to the classic Noir cycle.
I would suggest any of the following:
- Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
- Brick
- Fargo
It would also be interesting to hear your take on the spoofing of Noir:
- Dead Men Don\\\'t Wear Plaid
Last but not least, I really enjoy hearing your take on the classics:
- Nightmare Alley
- Kiss of Death
- Night and the City
I would suggest any of the following:
- Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
- Brick
- Fargo
It would also be interesting to hear your take on the spoofing of Noir:
- Dead Men Don\\\'t Wear Plaid
Last but not least, I really enjoy hearing your take on the classics:
- Nightmare Alley
- Kiss of Death
- Night and the City
Wages of Fear
posted by: Jeffrey H. Simonson on Thu, 6/22 10:33 PM EDT
Suggestion:
"Where the Sidewalk Ends"
"I Wake Up Screaming"
These two films have some of the best film noir imagery of any I've seen!! I much prefer Dana Andrews in "Where the Sidewalk Ends" over the more famous "Laura." You have already discussed other favorites: "Out of the Past," "Double Indemnity," and "The Big Sleep." Others I'd recommend after you've completed the above two are "Postman Always Rings Twice" (Lana Turner version), "Diabolique" (French version), "The Big Clock," "The Blue Dahlia," and "The Glass Key." The latter two need to be issued on DVD before any discussions with spoilers though.
"Where the Sidewalk Ends"
"I Wake Up Screaming"
These two films have some of the best film noir imagery of any I've seen!! I much prefer Dana Andrews in "Where the Sidewalk Ends" over the more famous "Laura." You have already discussed other favorites: "Out of the Past," "Double Indemnity," and "The Big Sleep." Others I'd recommend after you've completed the above two are "Postman Always Rings Twice" (Lana Turner version), "Diabolique" (French version), "The Big Clock," "The Blue Dahlia," and "The Glass Key." The latter two need to be issued on DVD before any discussions with spoilers though.
I love our podcast and I'm trying to promote it to the brazilian readers of my cinema blog (but they are a big lazy). I have some suggestions of films that I would love to her the analysis: Detour, the Postamn Always rings twice, Touch of Evil, Strangers on a train and something of David Lynch.
Thank you and keep up the great work!
Thank you and keep up the great work!
posted by: Bibi on Tue, 7/11 06:46 PM EDT
Just fiscovered your series today - loved The Big Sleep coupled to The Big Lebowski.
I would love to hear you talk about a movie Fedora by Billy Wilder which has a kind of relationship with Sunset Boulevard.
Other suggestions - Frenzy, Seven, The Usual Suspects, Point Blank, Ronin, One Night at McCool's, The Long Goodbye - Altman and Mitchum - and maybe The Limey.
Although I don't think they are noir it would be interesting to know why Jackie Brown and Woody Allen's Crimes and Misdemeanours are out of the frame.
Finally I would love to know how the French surrealists usage of the term "noir" turned into film noir and private eye movies
All the best.
I would love to hear you talk about a movie Fedora by Billy Wilder which has a kind of relationship with Sunset Boulevard.
Other suggestions - Frenzy, Seven, The Usual Suspects, Point Blank, Ronin, One Night at McCool's, The Long Goodbye - Altman and Mitchum - and maybe The Limey.
Although I don't think they are noir it would be interesting to know why Jackie Brown and Woody Allen's Crimes and Misdemeanours are out of the frame.
Finally I would love to know how the French surrealists usage of the term "noir" turned into film noir and private eye movies
All the best.
To echo a few of the suggestions above: I'd be interested in hearing discussions of any of the following: Shadow of a Doubt, Memento, Ronin, Ride the Pink Horse, I Am a Fugitive From a Chain Gang, The Glass Key, L.A. Confidential, and I'd be interested in hearing more thoughts on noir influences and themes in Asian film - Japanese and modern Hong Kong film in particular.
I really enjoy your programs. Thanks for doing such a great job. You have only deepened my fascination with all things noir. I second many of the films already suggested and would like to add these two to the mix: "The French Connection" with Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider, and the more recent "Spartan" with Val Kilmer.
Loved your Big Sleep/Big Lebowski comparison!
I'd like to request that you guys cover 'The Lady in the Lake' directed by Robert Montgomery.
I'd like to request that you guys cover 'The Lady in the Lake' directed by Robert Montgomery.
posted by: adrien on Wed, 8/16 06:52 PM EDT
They Live by Night
Follow Me Quietly
Clay Pigeon, The
Murder by Contract
Pitfall
Woman Chaser, The
Kill Her Gently
I Wouldn't Be in Your Shoes
Crime Wave
Let No Man Write My Epitaph
Hammett
Girl in Room 43, The
Decoy
The Lost One
Two Men In Manhattan
Passion / Szenvedély
Follow Me Quietly
Clay Pigeon, The
Murder by Contract
Pitfall
Woman Chaser, The
Kill Her Gently
I Wouldn't Be in Your Shoes
Crime Wave
Let No Man Write My Epitaph
Hammett
Girl in Room 43, The
Decoy
The Lost One
Two Men In Manhattan
Passion / Szenvedély
posted by: Mike White on Fri, 8/25 07:58 PM EDT
I really enjoy your show; it has prompted me to become a collector of film noir dvds.
You guys are doing a terrific job of selecting movies, but here are some to consider:
Ride a Pink Horse
Kiss Me Deadly
The Big Heat
Touch of Evil
Saboteur (maybe not a noir)
LA Confidential is perhaps too obvious…
Night and the City (!)
Gilda
Mildred Pierce
The Strange Love of Martha Ivers
Brazil (not a noir at all, I guess)
There are many more, of course, but that's a start.
One important suggestion, from someone who has listened to all of you podcasts: You need to revamp the ending of you show. It ends very abruptly, almost unexpectedly, and the music at the end is very jarring! I like the music itself(from The Strange Love of Martha Ivers, I think?), maybe it would be OK if it were at a lower volume.
Keep up the great work!
You guys are doing a terrific job of selecting movies, but here are some to consider:
Ride a Pink Horse
Kiss Me Deadly
The Big Heat
Touch of Evil
Saboteur (maybe not a noir)
LA Confidential is perhaps too obvious…
Night and the City (!)
Gilda
Mildred Pierce
The Strange Love of Martha Ivers
Brazil (not a noir at all, I guess)
There are many more, of course, but that's a start.
One important suggestion, from someone who has listened to all of you podcasts: You need to revamp the ending of you show. It ends very abruptly, almost unexpectedly, and the music at the end is very jarring! I like the music itself(from The Strange Love of Martha Ivers, I think?), maybe it would be OK if it were at a lower volume.
Keep up the great work!
posted by: Kirk M on Tue, 9/5 09:51 PM EDT
Suggestions for future podcasts:
Kurosawa's "The Bad Sleep Well." This is heavily influenced by the effects of World War II on Japan. Noir served up with a side of Hamlet.
Altman's "The Long Good-bye." Elliot Gould's performance as the hard-boiled noir detective in 1970's LA is both brilliant and hilarious.
"The Sweet Smell of Success." This has hard-boiled Hollywood columnists and press agents instead of gangsters and detectives. The direction, the cinematograpy, and the acting performances are stunningly good. Life in Hollywood has never seemed so cheap and tawdry.
I've always considered Sam Peckinpaugh as "noir inspired," even when he made westerns. Please consider "Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia." Warren Oates is as ill-fated, doomed, and tired as any noir protagonist as I've ever seen.
Kurosawa's "The Bad Sleep Well." This is heavily influenced by the effects of World War II on Japan. Noir served up with a side of Hamlet.
Altman's "The Long Good-bye." Elliot Gould's performance as the hard-boiled noir detective in 1970's LA is both brilliant and hilarious.
"The Sweet Smell of Success." This has hard-boiled Hollywood columnists and press agents instead of gangsters and detectives. The direction, the cinematograpy, and the acting performances are stunningly good. Life in Hollywood has never seemed so cheap and tawdry.
I've always considered Sam Peckinpaugh as "noir inspired," even when he made westerns. Please consider "Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia." Warren Oates is as ill-fated, doomed, and tired as any noir protagonist as I've ever seen.
Your podcasts are excellent. As you're counting votes, I'd particularly love to hear your reactions to Detour and Kiss Me Deadly, but I'll take whatever comes.
It's hard to disagree with anything from your other correspondents. I plan to chase down all their recommendations. But I particularly want to echo Dave C's suggestion of Frenzy. All of late Hitchcock is under-rated, I think, but Frenzy is the most hard done by. An overlooked masterpiece, surely.
Scopejockey is also spot on with Sweet Smell of Success and Peckinpah.
It's hard to disagree with anything from your other correspondents. I plan to chase down all their recommendations. But I particularly want to echo Dave C's suggestion of Frenzy. All of late Hitchcock is under-rated, I think, but Frenzy is the most hard done by. An overlooked masterpiece, surely.
Scopejockey is also spot on with Sweet Smell of Success and Peckinpah.
I recently rewatched Nightmare Alley on DVD. I hadn't seen it in more than a decade and it more than held up. In fact, it's even better than I had recalled with particularly strong female roles (Joan Blondell in particular). Would love to see that addressed.
I'll echo some other popular requests:
Ride the Pink Horse
The Long Good-Bye
The Big Heat
Criss Cross (underrated)
I'd also love to hear commentary on two of Barbara Stanwyck's domestic noirs from the fifties. These are little discussed but fascinating: Crime of Passion and Clash by Night. Jo Eisinger's contributions to noir are particularly overdue.
Kurosawa's noir
Melville's noir
Noir and the French New Wave (Breathless, Shoot the Piano Player...)
The End of Noir: Kiss Me Deadly, Touch of Evil, Point Blank
A thematic discussion that addresses all the issues about Noir as Style vs. Noir as Genre, and the very important Noir as Cycle notion.
I'll echo some other popular requests:
Ride the Pink Horse
The Long Good-Bye
The Big Heat
Criss Cross (underrated)
I'd also love to hear commentary on two of Barbara Stanwyck's domestic noirs from the fifties. These are little discussed but fascinating: Crime of Passion and Clash by Night. Jo Eisinger's contributions to noir are particularly overdue.
Kurosawa's noir
Melville's noir
Noir and the French New Wave (Breathless, Shoot the Piano Player...)
The End of Noir: Kiss Me Deadly, Touch of Evil, Point Blank
A thematic discussion that addresses all the issues about Noir as Style vs. Noir as Genre, and the very important Noir as Cycle notion.
I think you're both doing a great job with the podcast and you both bring up a number of really interesting issues, some of which I had never even considered when watching film noir. Some film noirs I'd like to hear a podcast on are:
Touch of Evil (1958)
Scarlet Street (1945)
The Night of the Hunter (1955)
L.A. Confidential (1997)
Kiss Me Deadly (1955)
Sweet Smell of Success (1957)
The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946)
Gilda (1946)
Mildred Pierce (1946)
Night and the City (1950)
Keep up the great work.
Touch of Evil (1958)
Scarlet Street (1945)
The Night of the Hunter (1955)
L.A. Confidential (1997)
Kiss Me Deadly (1955)
Sweet Smell of Success (1957)
The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946)
Gilda (1946)
Mildred Pierce (1946)
Night and the City (1950)
Keep up the great work.
My number one vote would be my absolute favorite Hitchcock film, 'Strangers On A Train'. Moreso then 'Shadow of A Doubt' you have the classic 'Film Noir' theme of an innocent caught up in a web trying to claw his way out. BTW, I just saw 'The Black Dahlia' and I was really disappointed. I won't ruin it for others, but De Palma dropped the ball big time. I liked 'Hollywoodland' much more. Keep up the fantastic work on my favorite podcast, bar none. Caio!
P.S. I would like to also vote for 'L.A. Confidential' in the neo field.
P.S. I would like to also vote for 'L.A. Confidential' in the neo field.
Since i have opened my eyes to the world of noir (around last March), I have been an avid listener of the podcast. you guys do a great job, and I would just like to reccomend some films:
Brick (this is the film that relly got me into noir)
Le Samourai
Pulp Fiction
Memento
Get Carter (the original with Michael Caine, not the remake)
Keep up the good work!
Brick (this is the film that relly got me into noir)
Le Samourai
Pulp Fiction
Memento
Get Carter (the original with Michael Caine, not the remake)
Keep up the good work!
Dear Sirs,
For your consideration:
1) Devil In A Blue Dress.
2) LA Confidential // In A Lonely Place.
3) The Third Man.
4) Dead Reckoning.
I`m also greatly enjoying your "Behind The Black Mask" series. The interview process makes for a less formal more relaxed and less academic atmosphere. It has already introduced me to two authors whose novels I will be seeking out.
Many thanks for time and efforts,
N. Twine.
For your consideration:
1) Devil In A Blue Dress.
2) LA Confidential // In A Lonely Place.
3) The Third Man.
4) Dead Reckoning.
I`m also greatly enjoying your "Behind The Black Mask" series. The interview process makes for a less formal more relaxed and less academic atmosphere. It has already introduced me to two authors whose novels I will be seeking out.
Many thanks for time and efforts,
N. Twine.
posted by: N Twine on Wed, 10/18 01:48 AM EDT
I love your podcasts! Especially the ones dedicated to The Grifters and Good Night, and Good Luck. As for upcoming films I'd like to see you guys tackle... My request would be for:
L.A. Confidential
Sweet Smell Of Success
Bring Me The Head of Alfredo Garcia
Memento
Point Blank
The Usual Suspects
Keep up the great work, guys!
L.A. Confidential
Sweet Smell Of Success
Bring Me The Head of Alfredo Garcia
Memento
Point Blank
The Usual Suspects
Keep up the great work, guys!
Hi guys,
Still really enjoying the show. Haven't yet heard the 'detour' episode yet. that's one of my all time favourite films. I have particularly enjoyed your shows on Double Indemnity and The Lady from Shanghai. I assume that Touch of evil will crop up somehwere. It's a pleasure to hear the way in which you concentrate on the textures of the films rather than an over academic contextualisation. Noir, for me, is really a genre (or style, whatever) of textures and moods.
Here are my suggestions for future shows, which may provide interesting points of conversation:
The Big Combo
Fallen Angels
I Wake up Screaming
Force of Evil
The Strange Love of Martha Ivers
The Dark Corner
Pick Up on South Street
Blast of Silence (has anyone else seen this tremendous movie?)
Croupier
Night Moves (i've never really thought this was as great as everyone seems to think. Would love to hear your take on it)
Still really enjoying the show. Haven't yet heard the 'detour' episode yet. that's one of my all time favourite films. I have particularly enjoyed your shows on Double Indemnity and The Lady from Shanghai. I assume that Touch of evil will crop up somehwere. It's a pleasure to hear the way in which you concentrate on the textures of the films rather than an over academic contextualisation. Noir, for me, is really a genre (or style, whatever) of textures and moods.
Here are my suggestions for future shows, which may provide interesting points of conversation:
The Big Combo
Fallen Angels
I Wake up Screaming
Force of Evil
The Strange Love of Martha Ivers
The Dark Corner
Pick Up on South Street
Blast of Silence (has anyone else seen this tremendous movie?)
Croupier
Night Moves (i've never really thought this was as great as everyone seems to think. Would love to hear your take on it)
Fritz Lang's "M"! Also, how about a debate on why Casablanca has all the noir elements but is not considered a noir. It has the flashbacks and the femme fatal, but maybe it is the happy ending that takes it out of noir status. It looks like a noir to me.
I really do like the film analisys and enjoy hearing the historcal perspective as well. I would love to hear your thoughts on the following films:
Pickup on Street
I Wake Up Screaming
His Kind of Woman
The Narrow Margin
The Strange Love of Martha Ivers
Big Clock
Thank you for making these podcasts and keep up the good work!
Pickup on Street
I Wake Up Screaming
His Kind of Woman
The Narrow Margin
The Strange Love of Martha Ivers
Big Clock
Thank you for making these podcasts and keep up the good work!
As a more mainstream movie fan, I'd naturally chirp in for L.A. Confidential. At the very least, it's nice to throw us regular goobers a bone now and then. :-)
posted by: Jason Sisk on Wed, 11/29 08:35 AM EST
Overboiled adolescent wankery like SIN CITY I could live without, but KISS KISS BANG BANG and BRICK would make a swell double feature. And how about NIGHT MOVES? Or, for that matter, THE CONVERSATION? Or the Paul Newman/Ross Macdonald (or at least Macdonaldesque) trilogy of HARPER, THE DROWNING POOL and TWILIGHT? Or how about a look at criminally under-rated THE TWO JAKES, and why it might just be the best second act in film noir. And I've always had a soft spot for THE DARK CORNER, an obscure little nugget (co-starring Lucille Ball, of all people)) that, with a slightly stronger lead, coulda been a contender.
posted by: Kevin Burton Smith on Mon, 12/18 12:44 PM EST
how about giving a little background on the very early, or even pre-noir films in the greater context of noir as a whole. films like sternberg's "Thunderbolt" and "Underworld," American gangster films (Public Enemy, Scarface, etc.) or even going back to the european roots; German Expressionist Film, Lang, Wiene, Murnau, etc.
also great job on the podcast, every episode is enjoyable and informative
also great job on the podcast, every episode is enjoyable and informative
I've just listened to your Podcast on Black Dahlia for the third time. I find this Podcast especially fascinating, because it deals with something I call Faux Noir (I'm not sure this is an official term in any way) - modern films that attempts to stage a film noir, but misses that film noir spirit completely. I felt something similar when I watched THE GOOD GERMAN, and I would love to hear your take on this film, which left me somewhat frustrated.
posted by: David Bjerre on Mon, 1/29 06:35 AM EST
Great show. I'm teaching noir for my 2nd time, but always loved the films. How about riffing on Cutters Way??!?
It really is the neglected fin de siecle (?) 70's noir that deserves more attention.
It really is the neglected fin de siecle (?) 70's noir that deserves more attention.
posted by: Jonathan Berman on Mon, 1/29 06:58 AM EST
A large number of the noirs I've seen you've done, but some I'd like to see:
L.A. Confidential
Usual Suspects
The Stranger
Key Largo
White Heat
Big Combo
Man With the Golden Arm
Who Framed Roger Rabbit (It's an interesting little movie with lots of noir elements)
Brick
Fargo
Miller's Crossing
Blood Simple
Strangers on a Train
That should be sufficient for now.
L.A. Confidential
Usual Suspects
The Stranger
Key Largo
White Heat
Big Combo
Man With the Golden Arm
Who Framed Roger Rabbit (It's an interesting little movie with lots of noir elements)
Brick
Fargo
Miller's Crossing
Blood Simple
Strangers on a Train
That should be sufficient for now.
Dear Mssrs Clute & Edwards,
I would like to cast a vote for, "Twilight" (1998) which starred, Paul Newman, Susan Sarandon, Gene Hackman and James Garner. I saw it again recently after many years and (having been following your podcast series) saw much in it that I had missed before.
Regards,
NHT
I would like to cast a vote for, "Twilight" (1998) which starred, Paul Newman, Susan Sarandon, Gene Hackman and James Garner. I saw it again recently after many years and (having been following your podcast series) saw much in it that I had missed before.
Regards,
NHT
Dear Mssrs Clute & Edwards,
Now that you`ve introduced as to NOIR and hooked us like caffeine junkies, how about setting up a forum where we can discuss these films and novels between ourselves as a community? A thread per movie/author perhaps? Who knows, if the community grows large enough we might even be able to persuade the studios to release more gems to a waiting audience?!
Regards,
NHT
Now that you`ve introduced as to NOIR and hooked us like caffeine junkies, how about setting up a forum where we can discuss these films and novels between ourselves as a community? A thread per movie/author perhaps? Who knows, if the community grows large enough we might even be able to persuade the studios to release more gems to a waiting audience?!
Regards,
NHT
Hello.
I've been hooked on your podcasts from the very first one and really thank you for giving me a reason to watch a lot of films that I might not otherwise. I look forward to your podcasts every month.
One suggestion for a movie to do that I haven't seen mentioned is Bound. Having recently watched it, I could see a lot of parallels with some of the classic heist noir films.
Thanks for the podcasts.
-Fletch
I've been hooked on your podcasts from the very first one and really thank you for giving me a reason to watch a lot of films that I might not otherwise. I look forward to your podcasts every month.
One suggestion for a movie to do that I haven't seen mentioned is Bound. Having recently watched it, I could see a lot of parallels with some of the classic heist noir films.
Thanks for the podcasts.
-Fletch
posted by: Fletch on Sun, 3/4 08:43 PM EST
Dear Clute & Edwards,
A possible subject for a future podcast would be, "Lonely Hearts". I just saw the trailer and it is billing itself as a film noir. This is the first I`ve heard about it and I think it lends weight to your argument that a new cycle is beginning. It stars John Travolta and James Gandolfini as detectives on the trail of incubus and sucubus serial-killers Jared Leto and Salma (born to be a femme fatale) Hayak. Although it reminds me of "Natural Born Killers" it is apparantly based on a true story with the film being directed by the grandson of the character played by John Travolta.
I think (pray) this ensemble will produce a better noir than the recent, "Black Dahlia" movie in which (IMHO) only Aaron Eckhart shone. I found Josh Hartnet wooden to the point af catalepsy, the usually good Hilary Swank was miscast and Scarlet Johansson was (at best) workmanlike.
Regards,
NHT
A possible subject for a future podcast would be, "Lonely Hearts". I just saw the trailer and it is billing itself as a film noir. This is the first I`ve heard about it and I think it lends weight to your argument that a new cycle is beginning. It stars John Travolta and James Gandolfini as detectives on the trail of incubus and sucubus serial-killers Jared Leto and Salma (born to be a femme fatale) Hayak. Although it reminds me of "Natural Born Killers" it is apparantly based on a true story with the film being directed by the grandson of the character played by John Travolta.
I think (pray) this ensemble will produce a better noir than the recent, "Black Dahlia" movie in which (IMHO) only Aaron Eckhart shone. I found Josh Hartnet wooden to the point af catalepsy, the usually good Hilary Swank was miscast and Scarlet Johansson was (at best) workmanlike.
Regards,
NHT
posted by: N H Twine on Sat, 3/17 05:07 AM EDT
I saw "The Good German" a couple of days ago and I just loved it. I know that it has received many negative reviews but I think it would be a very interesting film to do a podcast on as the story and visuals had a very 1940s noir look and feel.
Keep up the great work. :)
Keep up the great work. :)
Please tell me you'll debrief "Dark Passage". Bogart, Bacall. I know that the critics didn't give much in terms of support of this film primarily stating that the script was "far-fetched" - but I think it at least deserves some recognition and if nothing else discussion worthy. For one - it's Bogart & Bacall (not their best work but still a B&B movie) Second: Agnes Moorehead. I wanted to see more of her in this story. I liked the movie - would LOVE to hear your thoughts.
posted by: Jef with 1 F on Fri, 3/23 03:11 AM EDT
Thanks you guys for a very interesting dialogue about these classic films. I'm glad you don't get too bogged down in theory, and it's obvious (and enjoyable) that you are fans of this genre/style whatever the hell noir is...
What about the french movie, Le Samourai, with Alain Delon (I forget the director)? Have you seen it? If not, please watch it...1967 I think. I only saw it once, on TV, a few years back, and was entranced...I'm looking for the DVD now.
Thanks again.
What about the french movie, Le Samourai, with Alain Delon (I forget the director)? Have you seen it? If not, please watch it...1967 I think. I only saw it once, on TV, a few years back, and was entranced...I'm looking for the DVD now.
Thanks again.
Dear C&E. Its really tempting to make a long list of the movies it would be interesting to hear you discuss, many of which have been recommended by others already, but instead I shall restrict myself to just one vote: the 1948 movie of "No Orchids for Miss Blandish". There are two aspects in particular that I'd like to hear your take on. (1) How this film has a modern sensibility towards violence, despite its being made in 1948. It was described at the time as a "sickening exhibition of brutality, perversion, sex and sadism" but is now available on DVD with a PG certificate, which here in the UK is just one level up from a Disney cartoon. The DVD cover quotes the trash-the-movie notices that the film received at the time (in fact it glories in them) because these are now points in its favour. (2) Any comment/speculation on why this very American story was filmed in Britain rather than in Hollywood?
Thanks for all the good work.
Thanks for all the good work.
I just discovered your show and I'm loving it. Obviously there are a lot of great films you haven't gotten to yet. Since many of them have already been mentioned here, I'd like to point to a neglected subgenre of neo-noir: the African American Noir trend of the 1990's. This cycle of films is dominated by the works of Bill Duke and Carl Franklin but also bleeds into the "gangsta" genre. "Devil in a Blue Dress" is a particularly good film that never found a wide audience. The social and economic constraints that come with being African American enrich the plight of the noir protagonist and open the genre up for further social/political commentary. It's a subgenre I've only recently discovered, and unfortunately there's very little written about it.
Thanks for the great show!
Thanks for the great show!
There are so many... but I'd love to hear you talk about the intersection of noir and science fiction that is Dark City. :) To date myself, it's one of my longtime favorites.
Thanks for giving my husband and I more fuel for the amateur movie critic discussions, as well as great classics to view! :)
Thanks for giving my husband and I more fuel for the amateur movie critic discussions, as well as great classics to view! :)
Robert Florey's "The Crooked Way" is is great. Similar to Joseph L. Mankiewicz's "Somewhere in the Night", "The Crooked Way" seems to me to be based more on the human condition than the wit that is both a strength and a weakness in "Somewhere in the Night." a few times I found myself watching just to see Percy Helton's "Petey" his cat Samson’s tail. in a film where so many are chasing tale or tail, Petey at least knows there is something attached to the one he is after. so yeah I would like to hear you discuss Robert Florey's "The Crooked Way"
In a Lonely Place
Angel Face
The Big Heat
Vertigo
Sweet Smell of Success
Criss Cross
Gilda
Citizen Kane
The Narrow Margin
Leave Her to Heaven
Night and the City
Memento
White Heat
I guess a couple of those aren't pure noir arguably, but would make for interesting discussion in relation to noir at least.
Thanks for the great podcasts!
Angel Face
The Big Heat
Vertigo
Sweet Smell of Success
Criss Cross
Gilda
Citizen Kane
The Narrow Margin
Leave Her to Heaven
Night and the City
Memento
White Heat
I guess a couple of those aren't pure noir arguably, but would make for interesting discussion in relation to noir at least.
Thanks for the great podcasts!
I would like to cast a vote for, "Twilight" (1998) which starred, Paul Newman, Susan Sarandon, Gene Hackman and James Garner. I saw it again recently after many years and (having been following your podcast series) saw much in it that I had missed before.
posted by: Student Art on Fri, 6/1 06:25 AM EDT
But for the choppy editing this would be a top-notch color "film noir". Its socio-political message couldn't be clearer or more to the point. Some "important" people are so convinced that whatever they do is right, that their conduct amounts to group sociopathy. The crime story is interesting as it supports this theme, but the ultimate "solution" should not be too much of a surprise.
posted by: kitchen islands on Mon, 6/4 05:08 AM EDT
wonderful podcast.
i have been waiting to hear you talk about 'body heat' - just do it!
i have been waiting to hear you talk about 'body heat' - just do it!
posted by: susan on Wed, 6/6 12:54 PM EDT
Thank you for making this podcast so well-researched, informative and fun! I'd love to recommend a few films for future podcasts, in order of preference:
L.A. CONFIDENTIAL
MEMENTO
THE PRESTIGE
BRICK
VERTIGO
USUAL SUSPECTS
KISS KSIS BANG BANG
FOLLOWING
Along with those familiar titles, I'd love to recommend a few different angles, such as other genres tinged with noir thematics (e.g. Westerns such as High Noon), the pre-history of noir (German expressionism like The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari) or perhaps even an episode of a TV show informed by noir (like Veronica Mars).
Thanks for the great work, it's always a pleasure to listen!
L.A. CONFIDENTIAL
MEMENTO
THE PRESTIGE
BRICK
VERTIGO
USUAL SUSPECTS
KISS KSIS BANG BANG
FOLLOWING
Along with those familiar titles, I'd love to recommend a few different angles, such as other genres tinged with noir thematics (e.g. Westerns such as High Noon), the pre-history of noir (German expressionism like The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari) or perhaps even an episode of a TV show informed by noir (like Veronica Mars).
Thanks for the great work, it's always a pleasure to listen!
I just picked up Warner Brothers Film Noir Vol. 4 and that has got to be the best in the Warner noir box sets. I had not seen any of the noirs featured, but I can tell you right now this is a cut above anything they have released so far and I hope you review some of the films in this box set.
Love this podcast and your insights into themes and stylistic devices and imagery to look for etc. I come to a lot of these from the novels and I know there are slightly different elements to noir fiction as opposed to film, but I'm very interested to see how Mildred Pierce translates into a noir film because the novel reminds me more of victorian lit with its story of a woman gaining independence much like Jane Eyre--anyway, not much at all in the way of noir I've read or seen. In the same vein an incredible novel is They Shoot Horses Don't They? by Horace McCoy and I'd be interested if you consider its existential themes and symbolism translated into a noirish film or no.
Other than those, I have to agree with most of the films suggested, Memento, Insomnia, Dark City, Sin City, Kiss Kiss...,Usual Suspects, Citizen Kane, Angel Heart, This Gun for Hire. Keep up the excellent work and I also think you should consider extending your show 15 20 minutes and getting more in depth. darryl
Other than those, I have to agree with most of the films suggested, Memento, Insomnia, Dark City, Sin City, Kiss Kiss...,Usual Suspects, Citizen Kane, Angel Heart, This Gun for Hire. Keep up the excellent work and I also think you should consider extending your show 15 20 minutes and getting more in depth. darryl
Love the podcast! I'd especially like to see you discussing memento, which i think re-invents noir in so many wonderful ways and is for me perhaps the finest example of the genre in modern times. Christopher nolan's first film, following, is also a terrific little noir that's worth analysis but perhaps not known widely enough for your audience.
The usual suspects, fight club and fargo would be great too. I'd also really like to see more foreign movies covered - anything by fritz lang would be cool, maybe das testament des dr mabuse? And maybe some jean pierre melville, perhaps le samourai or bob le flambeur. Keep up the great work!
The usual suspects, fight club and fargo would be great too. I'd also really like to see more foreign movies covered - anything by fritz lang would be cool, maybe das testament des dr mabuse? And maybe some jean pierre melville, perhaps le samourai or bob le flambeur. Keep up the great work!
Love the podcast. Wouldn't miss it! Some I'd like to see in the future:
On Dangerous Ground
Odds Against Tomorrow
In a Lonely Place
Panic in the Streets
The Dark Corner
Where the Sidewalk Ends
Woman in the Window/Scarlet Street (as a comparison)
The Reckless Moment/Caught (if you think they qualify-- I do!)
Force of Evil
Cat People
Keep up the great work.
NoirGirl
On Dangerous Ground
Odds Against Tomorrow
In a Lonely Place
Panic in the Streets
The Dark Corner
Where the Sidewalk Ends
Woman in the Window/Scarlet Street (as a comparison)
The Reckless Moment/Caught (if you think they qualify-- I do!)
Force of Evil
Cat People
Keep up the great work.
NoirGirl
I love your show. I listen from Melbourne Australia.
some future suggestions for subjects for shows:
Blood Simple
Night and The City (Jessica Lange and Robert Deniro - could this be viewed as noir in your eyes?)
The Red Circle (Melville)
Vertigo (could you view this through noir?)
Irreversible (Gaspar Noe dir. - this is a stretch, but could it be a noir? Unlikely but fascinating to hold the template against it)
some future suggestions for subjects for shows:
Blood Simple
Night and The City (Jessica Lange and Robert Deniro - could this be viewed as noir in your eyes?)
The Red Circle (Melville)
Vertigo (could you view this through noir?)
Irreversible (Gaspar Noe dir. - this is a stretch, but could it be a noir? Unlikely but fascinating to hold the template against it)
I'd love to here one on Brick, which I just watched last night.
posted by: DerikB on Sun, 11/25 11:11 AM EST
I can't imagine any fan of film not enjoying your podcast! Even if I have seen a film 5 or 6 times you guys always make me see things I would have never seen nor thought to look for. Thanks.
Noir Films I would like to see reviewed:
-Inferno
-Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? (Not quite Noir)
-Leave Her To Heaven
Noir Films I would like to see reviewed:
-Inferno
-Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? (Not quite Noir)
-Leave Her To Heaven
posted by: Chaz Smith on Thu, 11/29 03:33 PM EST
Why did the directors run out of ideas?
posted by: blog despre seo on Mon, 12/31 07:35 AM EST
Thought you'd like to know, the company at least partially behind the recent "Love in the Time of Cholera" has a remake in the works of "Rififi" with I believe Al Pacino starring. Maybe out later this year, I'm not sure of the date but a chance for you to do a remake comparison episode.
I just starting listening to your podcasts and I think they're great. I own many of the movies you have already reviewed and I find my self re-watching them all to pick up on details I missed before.
A couple of my favorite movies of recent release have been been "The Lookout" and "You Kill Me."
Please consider reviewing any of these great flicks. Thanks again for the great podcasts.
A couple of my favorite movies of recent release have been been "The Lookout" and "You Kill Me."
Please consider reviewing any of these great flicks. Thanks again for the great podcasts.
I really enjoy Spanish and Argetinian movies. I would recomed "Hable con ella", "Carne tremula", “Mal Education� and "Tacones lejanos" (all directed by Pedro Almoldovar), "Amores perros" (forgot the director) "Abre los Ojos" and "Mar adentro" (by Alejandro Amenabar) and many other… OHHH! And I recently saw the romanian movie who got the “Palme D’or� at Cannes Festival. It’s called “4 months, 3 weeks and 2 days�. Great movie. After seeing this movie, I decided I want to know better romanian cinematography.
posted by: costa rica information on Sat, 1/12 04:42 PM EST
I'd like to add to the voting for future films:
1. Ride the Pink Horse
2. Vertigo
1. Ride the Pink Horse
2. Vertigo
posted by: DerikB on Sat, 3/8 11:58 AM EST
I'd love to hear your take on:
1. Road to Perdition
2. No Country for Old Men
1. Road to Perdition
2. No Country for Old Men
posted by: Bil Stachour on Sun, 3/16 11:48 PM EDT
Hey guys,
I have really been enjoyed the podcast. You cover a good range of films, and have provided some new ways for me to look at some of my favorites.
I would like to see you cover these films
1. The Thin Man
2. M
3. Night & The City (Original)
Thanks Justin
I have really been enjoyed the podcast. You cover a good range of films, and have provided some new ways for me to look at some of my favorites.
I would like to see you cover these films
1. The Thin Man
2. M
3. Night & The City (Original)
Thanks Justin
posted by: Justin on Wed, 3/19 07:14 PM EDT
I think it's time for a Richard Widmark tribute episode. You could cover PANIC IN THE STREETS, KISS OF DEATH, THE STREET WITH NO NAME and NO WAY OUT. And, of course, NIGHT AND THE CITY, but that one requires an episode to itself, in my opinion.
Thank you for the great podcasting.
Thank you for the great podcasting.
I nominate a very little known movie from the 70's: Hustle with Bur Reynolds and Catherine Deveuve. A forgotten classic that is film noir all the way.
posted by: DeNNIS BEDARD on Sat, 6/21 10:08 AM EDT
Is your Podcast limited to US Noirs only? If that's not the case I would love to hear an episode on Ascenseur pour l'échafaud (Elevator to the Gallows).
posted by: Peter Schneider on Mon, 6/30 07:38 AM EDT
I know that Halloween is a couple of months out... but hearing your take on the 80's horror/comedy/noir B-flick Night of the Creeps would be a lot of fun... the only problem is the film is not on DVD... oh and if you listen closely you can hear Stan Ridgway's The Big Heat playing in the background... have you guys ever thought about trying to interview him?
posted by: iren on Mon, 6/30 11:23 AM EDT
I did not read all the comments, so apologise if I repeat a suggestion with my own. I offer it not as an outstanding example of the genre, but as a flawed attempt; if we are to understand the best, it is instructive to dissect the mistakes. The piece that I suggest has wobbling tone and odd casting, but does hit some of the right buttons; I offer PAYBACK, with Mel Gibson.
posted by: Eric [Bingorage] on Sat, 7/5 08:21 PM EDT
Wow! I saw "The Dark Knight" this weekend and I finally listened, to your "Batman Begin's" podcast where I think you correctly picked up on the "dark" film noir elements director Nolan worked in while putting in action and fantasy elements to please the studio. Well, Nolan appears to have gotten carte blanche for "The Dark Knight" and has gone dark, gritty, and choatic in the best sense of those words. Exploring good and evil duality through both the Joker (Heath Ledger's performance is for the ages) and Harvey Dent/Two Face (Aaron Eckhart holds the screen tremedously). As you noted in the podcast for the earlier film Nolan goes past film noir all the way back to Lang and in "The Dark Knight" I think he was channeling Mabuse for both the Joker a master criminal like Mabuse more interested in the power and chaos of crime than wealth and even with Bruce Wayne/Batman channeling Lang's swan song "The 1,000 Eyes of Dr. Mabuse". All that was my lead in to ask that you do podcast on "The Dark Knight" as soon as possible. Also, a look at Lang's influence on Film Noir maybe through an examination of "Dr. Mabuse".
I really like Conte in "Thieves Highway" which I saw on the Criterion DVD a couple of years ago. I really enjoyed your podcast on the film, especially the insight into the differences between the endings of the film and the original story.
After seeing "The Ice Harvest" on your podcast list, I took that as a recommendation and watched it on DVD before listening to your insightful comments.
I can't think of anything else to request, expcept to ask that you keep up this great entertaining and eductional work. Thanks!
I really like Conte in "Thieves Highway" which I saw on the Criterion DVD a couple of years ago. I really enjoyed your podcast on the film, especially the insight into the differences between the endings of the film and the original story.
After seeing "The Ice Harvest" on your podcast list, I took that as a recommendation and watched it on DVD before listening to your insightful comments.
I can't think of anything else to request, expcept to ask that you keep up this great entertaining and eductional work. Thanks!
Many of the films that I've always thought of as classic Noir have already been covered, so what I'd particularly love to hear about next is the influences displayed in some modern classics, and some older movies that I never thought of before as noirs:
L.A. Confidential
The Usual Suspects
Memento
Vertigo
Key Largo
wonderful site/podcast
L.A. Confidential
The Usual Suspects
Memento
Vertigo
Key Largo
wonderful site/podcast
Well, I've seen a few films noir recently that had always passed me by and I really recommend them:
The Man who Cheated Himself
Night Editor
Too Late for Tears
The Man who Cheated Himself
Night Editor
Too Late for Tears
posted by: Paolo Cabrelli on Thu, 8/21 02:11 PM EDT
Saw 2 films recently that I'd love to hear you discuss: Blast of Silence, an indie production coming late in the classic cycle, and Street Kings, a recent and grossly overlooked film about corrupt cops penned by James Ellroy.
Love the show! Thank you!
Love the show! Thank you!
Great stuff guys - I really enjoy your Podcasts. How about 'The House on 92nd Street'. I think there are some very interesting aspects to the making of this film?
posted by: Chris George on Mon, 9/1 04:01 AM EDT
Great podcast. I would like to hear you analyze:
Sudden Fear - great ending
The File On Thelma Jordan - I downloaded for free legally. Another great performance from Stanwyck.
The Letter - The jungle setting is apt, but unusual for film noir.
Vertigo - I think this is the pinnacle of film noir but in color.
Thanks again for your podcast. BT
Sudden Fear - great ending
The File On Thelma Jordan - I downloaded for free legally. Another great performance from Stanwyck.
The Letter - The jungle setting is apt, but unusual for film noir.
Vertigo - I think this is the pinnacle of film noir but in color.
Thanks again for your podcast. BT
Guys, outstanding work.
I'm a film student at a leading film school in Australia and when I'm on summer break, your podcasts give me the fix I need.
Your shows are stimulating, engaging and just a simple joy to listen to.
My suggestion for a film I would love to hear you guys chat about would be John Dahl's film RED ROCK WEST.
I hope to hear it and wish you guys all the best for the future shows.
Dynamite stuff.
I'm a film student at a leading film school in Australia and when I'm on summer break, your podcasts give me the fix I need.
Your shows are stimulating, engaging and just a simple joy to listen to.
My suggestion for a film I would love to hear you guys chat about would be John Dahl's film RED ROCK WEST.
I hope to hear it and wish you guys all the best for the future shows.
Dynamite stuff.
I just found your podcast today and have enjoyed a couple show already. I haven't read through all the reader suggestions here (there are currently 159 on this topic) but I would love to hear your comments on The Big Combo. A later noir and one of the grittiest. Since it features some of John Alton's best work, I think it would be worthy of discussion. Thanks again for the great podcast.
Just found your sow and really enjoy it. I recently wrote a screenplay "The Murderer Among Us" about Fritz Lang and the making of "M". It was on the industry Blacklist for best screenplays. I would love to hear a show on Fritz Lang's "M". It is considered by some to be one of the earliest Noirs. Thank you.
Dear Mr. Clute and Mr. Edwards,
There is not one single day since last autumn, when I discovered your marvellous podcasts on itunes, that I did not listen to one of your talks.
It´s the best thing ever happened about film on the internet, absolutely brilliant.
Although I am a conductor, I studied film at CalArts (with Alexander Macandrick in the Eighties) and I am certainly nuts about Film Noir.
I think you help much in predicting and even recreating a wave of Neo-Noir in America.
It's certainly most fascinating to see and to compare the surroundings and conditions of the 1940's and 50' and the amazing talent which went into it. and our times.
Again there are young directors around, who are sensitive and talented and who can lead the way to a new wave of great cinema.
I would certainly love you to continue your podcasts, if anyhow possible.
I think it has become an important institution for many friends and fans of American cinema.
Most interested I would certainly be in your comments about films like
L.A. Confidential, Mystery Street, Lady in the Lake, Tension, Side Street, The Night of the Hunter, A Double Life, His kind of woman, etc.
Please continue.
I miss you very much.
All my best wishes
Volker Hartung (www. volkerhartung.com)
There is not one single day since last autumn, when I discovered your marvellous podcasts on itunes, that I did not listen to one of your talks.
It´s the best thing ever happened about film on the internet, absolutely brilliant.
Although I am a conductor, I studied film at CalArts (with Alexander Macandrick in the Eighties) and I am certainly nuts about Film Noir.
I think you help much in predicting and even recreating a wave of Neo-Noir in America.
It's certainly most fascinating to see and to compare the surroundings and conditions of the 1940's and 50' and the amazing talent which went into it. and our times.
Again there are young directors around, who are sensitive and talented and who can lead the way to a new wave of great cinema.
I would certainly love you to continue your podcasts, if anyhow possible.
I think it has become an important institution for many friends and fans of American cinema.
Most interested I would certainly be in your comments about films like
L.A. Confidential, Mystery Street, Lady in the Lake, Tension, Side Street, The Night of the Hunter, A Double Life, His kind of woman, etc.
Please continue.
I miss you very much.
All my best wishes
Volker Hartung (www. volkerhartung.com)
posted by: Volker Hartung on Sat, 8/22 07:55 AM EDT
Welcome back! I have missed listening to you both on my MP3 player as I tramp the footpaths of Herefordshire, England.
Last week the BBC had a Film Noir weekend beginninng with a documentary 'The Rules of Film Noir' presented by Matthew Sweet. This was an interesting and informative programme. Six films were then screened, two of which you haven't reviewed namely 'The Big Combo' and the early 'Stranger on the Third Floor'. I suggest these as movies for discussion, particulalry the latter which, I believe, is rarely screened.
Thank you.
Last week the BBC had a Film Noir weekend beginninng with a documentary 'The Rules of Film Noir' presented by Matthew Sweet. This was an interesting and informative programme. Six films were then screened, two of which you haven't reviewed namely 'The Big Combo' and the early 'Stranger on the Third Floor'. I suggest these as movies for discussion, particulalry the latter which, I believe, is rarely screened.
Thank you.
I think it would be a great addition to your podcast if you analyzed a foreign neo-noir by the name of 'Zift': http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1264914/
It's a very quirky noir obviously influenced by pictures as 'Gilda', 'Night and the city" and "D.O.A". Look it up if you haven't heard of it already. It is widely available with English subs on the net.
It's a very quirky noir obviously influenced by pictures as 'Gilda', 'Night and the city" and "D.O.A". Look it up if you haven't heard of it already. It is widely available with English subs on the net.
posted by: Velislav Ivanov on Sat, 9/5 01:01 PM EDT
"Zift" was reviewed on page 14 of the Jul/Aug 2009 edition of `The Noir City Sentinel` under the headline, "New Bulgarian Film Mines Classic Noir". The review makes it sound like a pastiche-cum-collage rather than a neo-noir but if it`s widely available on the net I might give it a go.
I'm curious why you haven't done "True Cofessions" with Duvall and DeNiro. It's a great film and I would love to hear your views on it. Great job on the Podcasts.
posted by: Vic on Fri, 9/25 11:44 AM EDT
Great stuff. I highly recommend the 70's sleeper,
"Cutter's Way." It's very much a noir, although I don't know if its been considered in the canon (cannon??) yet...
"Cutter's Way." It's very much a noir, although I don't know if its been considered in the canon (cannon??) yet...
posted by: Jonathan Berman on Tue, 10/27 09:04 PM EDT
Dear C & E,
Firstly, welcome back!
Secondly, I`ve just seen a trailer for the upcoming film, "The Missing Person" co-starring Amy Ryan (who was amazing in neo-noir, "Gone Baby Gone"). This one looks more `noir-styled` but intriguing nonetheless.
"Out Of The Past" has done contemporary before and encouraging people to go and see NEW noir movies should be part of your/our remit, yes?
Best wishes,
N H Twine
Firstly, welcome back!
Secondly, I`ve just seen a trailer for the upcoming film, "The Missing Person" co-starring Amy Ryan (who was amazing in neo-noir, "Gone Baby Gone"). This one looks more `noir-styled` but intriguing nonetheless.
"Out Of The Past" has done contemporary before and encouraging people to go and see NEW noir movies should be part of your/our remit, yes?
Best wishes,
N H Twine
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