NF prez Eddie Muller responds to film noir fan questions fielded by the Foundation's Director of Communications Anne Hockens. In this episode, we discuss LGBTQ+ characters in noir, the best noir cinematographers, “Executive Action”, author John D. MacDonald, circumventing the Hays Code, and more. Plus, we settle a debate regarding the portrayal of women in noir for a viewer. We wind up with a discussion of our fantasy casting for noir brothers and noir sisters. Stay tuned to the end for a special furry guest star.
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This week’s questions:
1. I’d enjoy hearing from both of you about LGBTQ+ characters in Noir.
-Marjorie (from the poor part of Connecticut)
2. Are there any Film Noir Foundation restorations in the Flicker Alley pipeline this year?
-Michael, Post Falls, Idaho
3. Have you ever considered The Orpheum Theater in Phoenix, Arizona for a NOIR CITY showing? Also, are there any great film noirs from the golden age that are not readily available?
-Vince from Arizona
4. In a recent ASK EDDIE, you said that "The 13th Letter” is unavailable for showings because of rights issues, Are there any other noirs that similarly cannot be shown because of rights issues?
-Bill Miller, Chicago
5. Who do you consider the best cinematographer of the classic film era?
-Harry, West Chester, PA
6. I recently engaged in a debate with someone about the concept of film. I wanted to get your perspective. The other person posits that the femme fatale trope was a sexist derivative of men's postwar angst of women taking their jobs and workplace. I argued that men and women in noir are oftentimes equally culpable, equally shrewd and equally guilty in their indiscretions. What are your thoughts on these arguments?
-Andrew, Clayton, North Carolina
7. TCM showed “Not As A Stranger” and I thoroughly enjoyed it. IMDB says that movie is a Film Noir. I can’t see it. What do you think?
-Stephen, Allen, Texas
8. I recently saw the Italian neorealist film “Bitter Rice”, which has many film noir characteristics. Can you recommend other neorealist films that might also be regarded as film noir?
-Ron
9. It's hard to think of a movie more detested, shunned and now ignored than "Executive Action," a 1973 political drama, directed by David Miller and written by Dalton Trumbo, that blames the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on a right-wing capitalist conspiracy. I'd welcome any comments you have about "Executive Action."
-Paul from "Fargo" land
10. I recently watched “Journey into Light” (1951) starring Sterling Hayden and found it surprisingly emotionally moving. Are there any film noir movies that you find especially moving? Also, do you consider this movie a "religious noir"?
-Dan
11. One great American crime writer you've never mentioned is John D. Macdonald, the creator of Travis McGee. Macdonald considered Victor Nunez's 1984 adaptation of his novel “A Flash of Green” to be the best film version of his work. What do the two of you think of Macdonald's work? And have either of you ever seen “A Flash of Green”?
-Doug, Silver Spring, MD
12. One of the many pleasures of viewing classic films noir is spotting the various ways in which the filmmakers circumvent the Hays Code and express graphic violence, et cetera, despite the limitations forced upon them, with clever filmmaking techniques. Can you think of any other good examples of this sort of Hays Code circumvention, in which a film is able to express graphic content without explicitly showing it?
-Sam from Iowa
13. Where is it that you tape introductions for NOIR ALLEY? Are you given a blooper reel each year? Have you ever finished it in one single take. Do you have a favorite hotel you stay at when in L.A. or do you not stay at same place each visit?
-Alan, San Anselmo, CA.
14. I came across an excellent book called “San Francisco Noir” which shows real locations from SF movies and proves interesting anecdotes about the locations and the films themselves. At the end of the book is a description of the Danger and Despair Knitting Circle, which sounds like an elite private showing of various noirs. Does this still exist, and do you have stories about this group?
-Phil from Boston
15. My question addresses some fantasy casting as well as historic casting. Who would both of you cast as Noir Brothers and Noir Sisters. What would be the best combustible pairs?
-William from Lafayette
22 июн 2023
