[Genre] Film Favorites: Film Noir

It is probably my favorite film genre and I can't study it enough. Film Noir originated after World War II, where the world was in agony, despair and confusion. So much bad had happened, and so many things had changed. One of the biggest change in society from the war was the role of women. Women no longer wanted the role of only mothers and housewives. Instead, they began to discover and realize their potential and capability. They begin to enter the workforce. Once the war had ended, the men returned to an unfamiliar society. Suddenly, their wives, sisters and daughters are now working - taking men's positions in society. This was their worst nightmare. The last thing they expected after war was to come home, their unfamiliar home. Things in society began to change dramatically.

Film Noir focuses on the post-war disillusionment. The new genre gave birth to a new character known as the femme fatale. This character contrasts with the 'accepted' women in society. Femme Fatales are usually the characters who stir trouble by beginning and even ending it, sometimes at the male hero's life.

Most Film Noirs are detective stories, mysterious deaths and incidents. It is usually the job of the leading male character to complete the puzzles of these mysteries. The Femme Fatales are usually the ones who 'befriends' the male character. Initially, it may appear to be a completely innocent relationship, but throughout the course of the film we learn their intentions to be far more evil. The conclusion of Film Noir is usually when the Femme Fatale surrenders and is punished for her evil deeds which started the initial disasters.

The Maltese Falcon was one of the first Film Noirs created. Being one of the earlier films, it is clear to see the difference in the acting, the characters and the narrative in general. The acting is extremely exaggerated with Miss Wonderly (femme fatale) dramatically bursting into tears, Sam Spade talking extremely fast and humorous "threatening" scenes.

Miss Wonderly is a rather interesting femme fatale character. When we are first introduced to her, she is a clear femme fatale by the way she is dressed. Her fur coat and hat, which conceals part of her face, indicates her mysteriousness. We are also unsure to trust what she is saying. Her tale of her sister being at the mercy of a rather violent husband seems to be incomplete.

Sam Spade's role of the detective officer is very 'heroic'. He strives to find out the culprit behind the murder of his work partner. Befriending Miss Wonderly, Sam Spade does not entirely trust her, but is seduced by her beauty anc character.

Gilda is a rather later Film Noir, and rather unique. The film, which is titled after the femme fatale character, focuses on the witty and clever characteristics of a casino owner's wife. Married him for his money, Gilda soon comes face to face with the man she truly loved before, Johnney. She uses her seductive powers to make Johnney jealous. This was her methoed to win him back.

Her husband seems to realize this, but doeasn't do much about it. He in fact encourages it buy giving Johnney the responsibiloty to look after her.

Gilda is not a criminal nor a true bimbo! She simply pretended to bad to get Johnney's attention. Her punishment differed from other femme fatales.