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In

this view, "Fatal Attraction" and "Basic Instinct" are as much entitled to be

called film noir as are films such as "The Postman Always Rings Twice"

(1946).

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Which is an excellent reason for rejecting the definition.

 

True "film noir" was a phenomenon which existed in its purest form from about

1944 through about 1955. After that, "noirish" films became too

self-conscious to earn the term.

 

There were of course "pre-Noir" films and "post-Noir" films which exhibit

some of the characteristics of the genre. However, any definition must take

into account the societal and historical background which produced the

unaffected actual style. To consider "noir" one must factor in the atmosphere

of post-war* anxiety which is at the heart of the genre.

 

*(Don't quibble here. Despite "Double Indemnity" and "Murder My Sweet", the

great bulk of noirs came after the War.)

 

Gene Stavis, School of Visual Arts - NYC

 

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