List: Film Noir (Top 10)

Film Noir (which literally means black film) is the style of film making that began to develop after World War II. It is closely related to the Crime and Gangster genres but is known to be darker and typically more cheaply made. Film Noir tends to deal with perverse subjects and traditionally have a morally uncentered leading role, known as the anti-hero. Film Noir is also notable for its dark, shadowy visual style which has roots in German Expressionism. The shadow created from venetian blinds is typical of cinematographic imagery used in Film Noir. The genre has attracted a sort of cult following and many modern films, including China Town, Blade Runner and Sin City, reflect its continuing popularity. The following is a list of my personal Film Noir favorites.


10. Ascenseur Pour L'echafaud (Elevator to the Gallows) (1957)
Director: Louis Malle

What happens when the murder you have committed is the only alibi for the murder you are being falsely accused of? This French-Noir eloquently deals with this twist on the wrong man scenario. An original soundtrack from Miles Davis is a plus!


09. The Killers (1946)
Director: Robert Siodmak

Based on a short story by Ernest Hemingway, The Killers is absolutely classic Noir. Burt Lancaster is an ex-boxer who gets mixed up in the crime business. Lancaster's co-star is Eva Gardner who plays Kitty Collins, one of films classic Femme Fatales. The Killers is highly suspenseful, grim and a good starting point to the genre.


08. Mildred Pierce (1945)
Director: Michael Curtiz

Mildred Pierce is a murder mystery told in flashbacks, about a working mother who will do anything for her children. Joan Crawford plays the role as a harsh but very strong woman, which is a large part of what makes the film compelling.


07. Rififi (1955)
Director: Jules Dassin

Rififi is French Noir at its best. A tense, rough film about revenge and a heist gone bad. A 30 minute bank robbery scene with no dialogue manages to build suspense masterfully. The following youtube clip has unfortunate English dubbing, but it was the best I could find.


06. The Asphalt Jungle (1950)
Director: John Huston

Another great heist movie with a sprawling cast, including a small role for Marilyn Monroe. Underlooked and very powerful.


04. Tirez sur le pianiste (Shoot The Piano Player) (1960)
Director: François Truffaut

Like many French directors of the time Truffaut was interested in Film Noir. Shoot The Piano Player has many Noir elements and the youthful creativity of a new wave film. This is perhaps Truffaut's funnest film as well as a compelling example of Neo-Noir.


04. The Wrong Man (1956)
Director: Alfred Hitchcock

Hitckcock doing Noir during his period of masterpieces! What else is there to say?


03. The Third Man (1949)
Director: Carol Reed

Holly Martins, a pulp fiction writer is visiting from the states when he finds out that his friend has been murdered. When Martins looks into the murder he starts to have his doubts. Shot on location in Vienna, The Third Man may be one of the most beautiful Noirs. A unique zither score adds to the exotic nature of the film.


02. Sweet Smell Of Success (1957)
Director: Alexander Mackendrick

A film about corruption on all levels of the newspaper industry in New York City. Tony Curtis plays a journalist willing to do anything to advance his career, a prime example of the anti-hero. The city is shot vibrantly, the score is pulsing and the acting from Tony Curtis as well as Burt Lancaster is exceptional.


01. Touch of Evil (1958)
Director: Orson Welles

It's hard to find a movie that is more fun than this one. Over the top, dirty and ahead of it's time, Touch of Evil deals with subjects that you never would have expected to see from this time period. Orson Welles plays the monstrous police captain who has very sinister methods of keeping crime down in an American city on the Mexican boarder. The film is cheaply, but masterfully made and has everything that you could want in a Film Noir.