Film & Media: Dark and Deadly – An Introduction to Film Noir
Course details
Course code
Q00015250Course date
Number of classes
4 sessionsBranch
Norwich BranchTutor
Nigel HerwinFee range
How you'll learn
Venue
Norwich Millennium Library (Norwich)Millennium Library
The Forum, Millennium Plain
Norwich
NR2 1AW
Level of study
Availability
Course overview
Course description
Film Noir remains one of the most fascinating and discussed film genres from the golden age of Hollywood. This informal course will explore the reasons why this dark and cynical genre holds such a grip upon audiences and will attempt to analyse what is actually going on in these movies.
It will begin by looking at what is expected from a “Film Noir”: the recurring features, stars and themes. The roots of noir will also be examined, ranging from American pulp crime fiction and emigree film makers from Europe, along with the hotly-debated contest as to what is the first film noir movie?
Gender roles will be explored, particularly the importance of the “Femme Fatale” and what she really wants: is it the man or is it the money? Linked with this is the question as to whether these films depict a crisis of masculinity.
The political background to these films will also be examined. Do they reflect Cold War fears along with the Communist Witch-hunts of the House of Un-American Activities?
Finally it will be seen how Film Noir faded away during the 1950s, yet how it has continued to influence cinema to this very day.
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