----------------------------- Begin Original Text ----------------------------- 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). ----------------------------- End Original Text ----------------------------- 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 ---- To signoff SCREEN-L, e-mail [log in to unmask] and put SIGNOFF SCREEN-L in the message. Problems? Contact [log in to unmask]