Film Noir

A quote that I found in the first ten minutes of the film documentary that is also related to the movie Double Indemnity is a quote from director Errol Morris. He stated that film noirs have a noir idea that "characters don't know what is going on but something bad is going to happen." He defined these characters as fall guys who find themselves caught in a net sinker into deeper problems. In Double Indemnity Walter got fell into a situation where it lead to more problems and before we all knew it there was really no turning back for him.

In the documentary it clearly stated on how to spot a femme fatale. Actress Marie Windsor stated a femme fatale is a woman "that is getting the man into bed and then into trouble." These female actors usually have long hair, tight clothes, long nails that are considered to look like claws, and smoke symbolizes loose morals. Femme fatales use their sexuality to get what they want and use a male as their tool for their own advantage. Phyllis most definitely uses her charming personality to get what she wants from Walter. She is a typical femme fatale since she has the look and gives off that longing obsession that makes her more irrepressible to Walter. She portrays a very powerful, smart, and wealthy character which makes a perfect femme fatale.


The lightening and locations made a huge impact on making Double Indemnity a film noir. The camera angles create that film noir it can make things seem more dramatic. Examples are close-ups or low angle shots such as when they filmed the scene of Walter at Phyllis' house. Phyllis is upstairs while Walter is by the front door creating a low angle shot and then cut to a shot of a man showing visual dominance. The dramatic use of lightening makes things terrifying and mysterious so a person's imagination is forced to take over. The choice of music and sound create the mood of the scene and can draw more attention or passion into the film.

The use of color in neo-noir movies is slightly different than black and white cinematography in the original film noir since it doesn't add as much dark shadows or unusual and interesting lightening patterns. The aspects from Chinatown that are based upon film noir style is the whole concept of the movie. There is a male who gets caught in a love affair which leads to many more problems that he didn't expect to get himself into. The storyline is was makes it a film noir but also the sound/music and the femme fatale. The dramatic music and sounds create more action and keeps the audience interested during the whole film. The femme fatale created that love triangle to make the male character determined and fight until the very end.

Thoughts on movies

In my own opinion a movie does not have to have a long criteria list for it to be considered a good movie to me. My criteria is actually simple, as long as there is a storyline, action, and humor I will be satisfied. I have seen some movies in the past with no plot and to me I see no point in a movie if there isn't anything to solve or give the movie some purpose. As much as I love comedies and horror films I am also a fan of love movies such as The Notebook. A movie that can touch my heart and make me feel their love and can bring tears to my eyes is a well played movie. Great actors can make a huge difference in how the movie can grab my attention the whole time. The two movies in week two viewing were interesting since I had never watched a silent film in the past. Le Voyage Dans La Lune was the one of the two that I enjoyed more. It didn't need any words to be able to understand what the storyline of the movie was. I liked the action part and how they had an obstacle thrown at them that they had to overcome. A trip safe home made the ending not only relieving that they were able to get out of the moon safe but that it gave the movie a good ending. The second movie, The Great Train Robbery didn't really grab my attention. There was action but not much of a plot since it was hard to tell what was going on in the movie. Two of my favorite films would fit both of my movie must haves of humor, action, and love. The Notebook would have to be my all time favorite movie since the actors, clothing, and setting really took us back to the time period their love started to blossom. The movie was able to give the audience an emotional connection to be able to feel as we were there with them. Their love for one another made it seem very realistic and natural. At the end when they had died together made me feel sad and happy for them since the audience was about to watch their love grow throughout their stages in life. I know films don't always have to be real life situations but this movie proved how love like theirs can exist and last like that. Another film I consider to be another of my favorite would have to be End of Watch. This movies is hilarious and has tons of action that they make look very realistic since its based off of one of the cops "video camera" and shows us the point of view from the cops . It gives the audience an inside view of the life of a cop and all the drama they face on a daily basis. It also throws it humor between the two partners and their own family so it gave me that connection and felt as I was getting to know the two partners. The ending resulted in a death that made me feel as if it was someone I knew who had just past away with that connection the movie made me feel for the actors. These two movies are very different but they fit perfectly into my criteria list and turned out to become my favorites.

I am a typical Cali girl who loves music, art, and outdoor activities. I wouldn't consider myself to be a film buff, but I do love the whole entertainment world. I enjoy watching comedy and horror films even though school and work make it more difficult to have time to watch television with family or even go to the movies with a few friends. During the summer break when I did have plenty of relaxation time I was outdoors most of the time enjoying all the beaches and amazing cities Cali has to offer. I am a person who rather be outdoors with friends going hiking, swimming, or just plain shopping than indoors on the computer or watching television. In order for me to go sit and watch a movie for two whole hours is if it is a very interesting movie or a sequel. Some movies just don't fascinate me so that's why most of the time when I do have spare time and don't feel like being outdoors I rather watch television instead. I already have my favorite channels that I have programed into my television, which are the food network and the HGTV(a home networking channel). I find these two areas very interesting so that's why I can watch these channels for hours in the comfort of my own home instead of a watching a movie in a theater. However with that said I have an open mind to always try something new and who knows I may be a film buff in the making.