![]() “The themes that noir addresses – crime, violence, sex, conflict between the genders, greed, sexual identity, and all that lurks within the darker side of the human psyche, while rooted in the mid-twentieth century – are perhaps no less relevant today.” “The classic noirs of the 1940s and 50s continue to appeal as they are vivid and stylish products of their time, that remain instantly recognisable and accessible to a contemporary audience,” explains Dr Michael Williams, who teaches the film noir module at the University of Southampton. There is something about the film noir genre that has captivated audiences for over 60 years now, but just what is it? And you know that no one fits the genre’s grizzled hero character quite like Humphrey Bogart. You know there needs to be a femme fatale pulling the strings. If the above proves anything, apart from the fact that I will not be the next Raymond Chandler anytime soon, there are few things more distinctive in this world than film noir. Little did I know that is exactly what she was planning….” At that moment, I would have written her into my will if she’d asked. ![]() I regained my composure and asked her what she wanted: “I want you to write me a feature on film noir,” she drawled. She was a figure eight and a perfect ten. ![]() Her lips were a shade of red that could stop traffic. ![]() It was a beautiful dame – mid-30s, 6-feet in 5-inch heels and with thick, dark hair that shimmered like wet asphalt. “Next thing I know, a voice like honey over gravel calls out to me, “I gotta job for you, Stephenson.” I turned, completely unprepared for the sight that greeted me. It was my mistake, granted, but hardly worthy of all this aggravation. Apparently, a name had been quoted incorrectly in a feature and some broad was kicking up a stink. “Just as I go to take my first sip, the boss bursts into my office, his face animated with rage. The barista had asked me if I wanted milk I told him those who add milk to coffee are just deluding themselves. I make a cup, and as I hold it in my hands, I stare into the dark swirl of seemingly bottomless liquid. You spend the morning trying to chase it away, but it always catches you in the end. My hangover follows me in five minutes later. “I get into my office a little after nine. The film noir genre has indelibly impacted cinema, says Josh Stephenson.
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