Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Obsession and Desire in Film Noir
What makes a good film noir romance? And how is it different from, say, a romantic comedy or romantic drama?
A romance in any genre surely must have plenty of trouble and complications to create enough tension to captivate audiences.
The difference in classic film noir lies partially in the universe which the characters inhabit. Whether it's a seedy dive bar, a stuffy New York apartment, or a fancy house on Russian Hill, the noir ambiance pervades.
But film noir lovers are different too. They're not just two schmucks in love trying to make it work.
Instead, our protagonist is usually overcome with an obsessive and/or fatalistic desire. And, it's usually the male (except in Joan Crawford movies), who is the one haunted and driven.
And that's why the femme fatale is so prevalent in noir. She may be consciously or unconsciously seducing him into her web for her own desperate needs or she may be merely using him to further her own position in an underground world of crime. She often "belongs" to some more powerful, even evil kingpin.
Problem is, she usually falls for the very guy she set out to use and then the two of them are really in trouble. So, either she follows her heart and goes with the ever-suffering protagonist, thus incurring some form of mortal or legal danger for both of them, or she nobly sacrifices her own happiness to save her beloved.
Either way, it generally doesn't end well. But oh, how we love identifying with those fierce passions run amuck.
Other variations of the classic film noir love triangle involve a real sweet girl or wife, our male protagonist and the femme fatale.
Another common characteristic of film noir lovers is that our main guy knows he's going down, but just can't help himself. One or both of the lovers may be headed towards self-destruction, yet feels powerless or lacks the will to stop it.
Why are we so fascinated with film noir romances? Perhaps it's the irresistible fatalism these characters are caught up in, where the fragile promise of desire consummated is supplanted by an inner torment taken to the nth degree.
And for our voyeuristic pleasure, here are five examples of some favorite doomed-from-the-start film noir love affairs:
1. Johnny (Glenn Ford) and Gilda (Rita Hayworth) in "Gilda" (1946). The pain is palpable in this complex love triangle. Johnny's best friend and boss is Ballin (George MacCready), a man whose new bride happens to be Johnny's ex flame. He can't bear the way she treats his friend, but is also tormented by his own rekindled attraction to her and vice versa.
2. Mae Doyle (Barbara Stanwyk) and Earl (Robert Ryan) in "Clash By Night" (1952). Mae Doyle tires of her new nice- guy husband and goes after his dark and moody friend Earl. They embark on a torrid, unhappy affair.
3. Mark (Dana Andrews) and Laura (Gene Tierney) in "Laura" (1944). Quietly intense detective Mark McPherson falls hard for the beautiful woman in a portrait who is supposedly dead. His obsession grows as he investigates her things and the men in her life.
4. Helen (Claire Trevor) and Sam (Lawrence Tierney) in "Born to Kill" (1947). He's a killer and she knows it, but Helen and Sam are fiercely attracted. She tries to avoid him since she's already engaged, so he goes after her rich sister instead. This only incites their passion and things get lethal.
5. Jeff (Glenn Ford again) and Vicki (Gloria Graham) in "Human Desire" (1954). Jeff's the nice-guy train engineer who gets sucked into murder and mayhem by the irrepressible Vicki, whose husband Carl (Broderick Crawford) is obsessed with jealousy and suspicion.
As these films illustrate, a film noir "romance" is rarely a just a sweet love affair which happens to be set in a dark alley. Rather, it's usually a desperate attraction between two otherwise alienated souls who find a rare kinship in one another. But due to circumstances of their noir universe (whether external or internal), it seems their union can only lead to destruction, whether to themselves or to others.
Laura Eggers operates Film Noir Alley, a site which is a resource to help film noir fans find books, music, dvds and posters. Also delves into specific psychological aspects of film noir, such as strangest scenes, passions, obsessions, oddball characters, deviant relationships, and more. http://www.film-noir-alley.com. This article may be reprinted with this "About The Author" box included.2008
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A romance in any genre surely must have plenty of trouble and complications to create enough tension to captivate audiences.
The difference in classic film noir lies partially in the universe which the characters inhabit. Whether it's a seedy dive bar, a stuffy New York apartment, or a fancy house on Russian Hill, the noir ambiance pervades.
But film noir lovers are different too. They're not just two schmucks in love trying to make it work.
Instead, our protagonist is usually overcome with an obsessive and/or fatalistic desire. And, it's usually the male (except in Joan Crawford movies), who is the one haunted and driven.
And that's why the femme fatale is so prevalent in noir. She may be consciously or unconsciously seducing him into her web for her own desperate needs or she may be merely using him to further her own position in an underground world of crime. She often "belongs" to some more powerful, even evil kingpin.
Problem is, she usually falls for the very guy she set out to use and then the two of them are really in trouble. So, either she follows her heart and goes with the ever-suffering protagonist, thus incurring some form of mortal or legal danger for both of them, or she nobly sacrifices her own happiness to save her beloved.
Either way, it generally doesn't end well. But oh, how we love identifying with those fierce passions run amuck.
Other variations of the classic film noir love triangle involve a real sweet girl or wife, our male protagonist and the femme fatale.
Another common characteristic of film noir lovers is that our main guy knows he's going down, but just can't help himself. One or both of the lovers may be headed towards self-destruction, yet feels powerless or lacks the will to stop it.
Why are we so fascinated with film noir romances? Perhaps it's the irresistible fatalism these characters are caught up in, where the fragile promise of desire consummated is supplanted by an inner torment taken to the nth degree.
And for our voyeuristic pleasure, here are five examples of some favorite doomed-from-the-start film noir love affairs:
1. Johnny (Glenn Ford) and Gilda (Rita Hayworth) in "Gilda" (1946). The pain is palpable in this complex love triangle. Johnny's best friend and boss is Ballin (George MacCready), a man whose new bride happens to be Johnny's ex flame. He can't bear the way she treats his friend, but is also tormented by his own rekindled attraction to her and vice versa.
2. Mae Doyle (Barbara Stanwyk) and Earl (Robert Ryan) in "Clash By Night" (1952). Mae Doyle tires of her new nice- guy husband and goes after his dark and moody friend Earl. They embark on a torrid, unhappy affair.
3. Mark (Dana Andrews) and Laura (Gene Tierney) in "Laura" (1944). Quietly intense detective Mark McPherson falls hard for the beautiful woman in a portrait who is supposedly dead. His obsession grows as he investigates her things and the men in her life.
4. Helen (Claire Trevor) and Sam (Lawrence Tierney) in "Born to Kill" (1947). He's a killer and she knows it, but Helen and Sam are fiercely attracted. She tries to avoid him since she's already engaged, so he goes after her rich sister instead. This only incites their passion and things get lethal.
5. Jeff (Glenn Ford again) and Vicki (Gloria Graham) in "Human Desire" (1954). Jeff's the nice-guy train engineer who gets sucked into murder and mayhem by the irrepressible Vicki, whose husband Carl (Broderick Crawford) is obsessed with jealousy and suspicion.
As these films illustrate, a film noir "romance" is rarely a just a sweet love affair which happens to be set in a dark alley. Rather, it's usually a desperate attraction between two otherwise alienated souls who find a rare kinship in one another. But due to circumstances of their noir universe (whether external or internal), it seems their union can only lead to destruction, whether to themselves or to others.
Laura Eggers operates Film Noir Alley, a site which is a resource to help film noir fans find books, music, dvds and posters. Also delves into specific psychological aspects of film noir, such as strangest scenes, passions, obsessions, oddball characters, deviant relationships, and more. http://www.film-noir-alley.com. This article may be reprinted with this "About The Author" box included.2008
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National Institute For Literacy
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Obituary
U. S. Seniors Retiring To Iraq; Say Thats Where The Medicare Money Is.
U. S. senior citizens, noting President Bushs new budget, which calls for billions to be spent in Iraq while billions are cut from Medicare, are foregoing traditional retirement destinations like Florida and Arizona and opting for Iraq.
The numbers reflect a convincing coincidence. Bushs budget calls for $100 billion more for Iraq and $100 billion in cuts for Medicare.
Following up on the new retirement trend, we went to Kennedy Airport and caught up with some seniors who were booked for Baghdad.
Excuse me, I asked a group of seniors who just stepped off the bus in front of Saudi Arabian Airlines. I understand youre all heading for Iraq?
Thats right, a man in Bermuda shorts replied, and reached into his golf bag. He took out a chapeau in the usual mullah fashion. Got my black turban right here. You know what they say? When in Baghdad, do as the Iraqis do.
And I have my black burkah, his wife added, lifting it from her purse. She slipped it over her head and modeled it. What do you think?
Very cute, I replied. Youll fit right in. Can you please clarify why youve chosen to retire in Iraq instead of, say, Miami?
Simple, son, a man with a fishing rod, who happened to be wearing a baseball cap on top of his turban, said, Thats where the Medicare money is.
Not to mention social security, his wife commented.
The plain fact is, wed rather eat in Iraq than starve in America, another man added.
But arent you concerned about safety issues? I asked.
Of course, we are, the man in the Bermudas replied. But were in this for the long term and, the way things are going, we can hardly count on Medicare and social security in America.
Weve got to follow the food, another elderly gentleman stated.
But you could get blown up? I suggested.
Oh, we thought about that, the man with the baseball hat on top of his turban replied. Well just have to take our chances.
Never underestimate the power of a senior citizen, a frail man said, raising his fist. Didnt you read about the 70-year-old fella who broke the neck of the kid who tried to rob a busload of seniors?
Yes, I did notice that event, I told him.
He was a war vet, one of the women informed me, with evident pride.
Yep, of one American war or another, a senior volunteered with a sigh. Quite a few to choose from.
How about suicide bombers? I dared to ask.
Bring em on, son, the frail senior said, assuming the position of a boxer with his dukes up.
But arent you forgetting that most of the money earmarked for Iraq is for military activity? I asked.
Were going for the rebuilding money, the man in the Bermudas said. Theyre wasting billions. And we figure we can get in the way of some of it.
And what do you think is going to happen when Americans see millions of seniors, retired in Iraq? They cant just let us starve there, can they?
Congress will have to divvy up something for us, and thats more than theyre likely to do if we stay in America.
And something is better than nothing, a woman affirmed.
But what about the culture gap? I asked. Arent you a little set in your ways?
Yes, we are, one of the men admitted.
I notice the turbans. Do you plan on becoming Muslim?
Whatever it takes to get in the way of some money, the man insisted.
Weve thought about it, his wife interjected. And becoming Islamic is better than not being able to afford medical care.
Or starving on whats left of social security, another woman added.
Do you think youll be able to enjoy the usual retirement activities there, like golf and fishing? I asked.
No problem, the man with the golf bag said. Iraq may not have the best golf courses, but I see theres plenty of desert for sand traps.
Ive noticed a river runs through Baghdad, the man with the fishing rod said. Got to be something in it besides body parts.
How about you? I asked a woman with a tennis racquet.
I havent seen any tennis courts there, she admitted, but some of the sand should be hard enough for the ball to bounce.
What about a net? I asked.
I guess therell be some sacrifices, she replied, and looked around at the crowd. But I know one thing. I wont have far to look for someone to play with.
I brought my racket, another woman called.
And, if worse comes to worse, her husband advised her, you can teach an Iraqi how to play.
Excuse us, son, one of the men said. We have to move along now. Cant miss our flight.
Were bound for Baghdad! his wife almost sang.
OK, I replied. Thanks for the interview. And enjoy your retirement.
Tom Attea, humorist and creator of http://NewsLaugh.com, has had six shows produced Off-Broadway. Critics have called his writing "delightfully funny," "witty," with "good, genuine laughs" and "great humor and ebullience."Beach Ca Long Restaurant Seafood
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The numbers reflect a convincing coincidence. Bushs budget calls for $100 billion more for Iraq and $100 billion in cuts for Medicare.
Following up on the new retirement trend, we went to Kennedy Airport and caught up with some seniors who were booked for Baghdad.
Excuse me, I asked a group of seniors who just stepped off the bus in front of Saudi Arabian Airlines. I understand youre all heading for Iraq?
Thats right, a man in Bermuda shorts replied, and reached into his golf bag. He took out a chapeau in the usual mullah fashion. Got my black turban right here. You know what they say? When in Baghdad, do as the Iraqis do.
And I have my black burkah, his wife added, lifting it from her purse. She slipped it over her head and modeled it. What do you think?
Very cute, I replied. Youll fit right in. Can you please clarify why youve chosen to retire in Iraq instead of, say, Miami?
Simple, son, a man with a fishing rod, who happened to be wearing a baseball cap on top of his turban, said, Thats where the Medicare money is.
Not to mention social security, his wife commented.
The plain fact is, wed rather eat in Iraq than starve in America, another man added.
But arent you concerned about safety issues? I asked.
Of course, we are, the man in the Bermudas replied. But were in this for the long term and, the way things are going, we can hardly count on Medicare and social security in America.
Weve got to follow the food, another elderly gentleman stated.
But you could get blown up? I suggested.
Oh, we thought about that, the man with the baseball hat on top of his turban replied. Well just have to take our chances.
Never underestimate the power of a senior citizen, a frail man said, raising his fist. Didnt you read about the 70-year-old fella who broke the neck of the kid who tried to rob a busload of seniors?
Yes, I did notice that event, I told him.
He was a war vet, one of the women informed me, with evident pride.
Yep, of one American war or another, a senior volunteered with a sigh. Quite a few to choose from.
How about suicide bombers? I dared to ask.
Bring em on, son, the frail senior said, assuming the position of a boxer with his dukes up.
But arent you forgetting that most of the money earmarked for Iraq is for military activity? I asked.
Were going for the rebuilding money, the man in the Bermudas said. Theyre wasting billions. And we figure we can get in the way of some of it.
And what do you think is going to happen when Americans see millions of seniors, retired in Iraq? They cant just let us starve there, can they?
Congress will have to divvy up something for us, and thats more than theyre likely to do if we stay in America.
And something is better than nothing, a woman affirmed.
But what about the culture gap? I asked. Arent you a little set in your ways?
Yes, we are, one of the men admitted.
I notice the turbans. Do you plan on becoming Muslim?
Whatever it takes to get in the way of some money, the man insisted.
Weve thought about it, his wife interjected. And becoming Islamic is better than not being able to afford medical care.
Or starving on whats left of social security, another woman added.
Do you think youll be able to enjoy the usual retirement activities there, like golf and fishing? I asked.
No problem, the man with the golf bag said. Iraq may not have the best golf courses, but I see theres plenty of desert for sand traps.
Ive noticed a river runs through Baghdad, the man with the fishing rod said. Got to be something in it besides body parts.
How about you? I asked a woman with a tennis racquet.
I havent seen any tennis courts there, she admitted, but some of the sand should be hard enough for the ball to bounce.
What about a net? I asked.
I guess therell be some sacrifices, she replied, and looked around at the crowd. But I know one thing. I wont have far to look for someone to play with.
I brought my racket, another woman called.
And, if worse comes to worse, her husband advised her, you can teach an Iraqi how to play.
Excuse us, son, one of the men said. We have to move along now. Cant miss our flight.
Were bound for Baghdad! his wife almost sang.
OK, I replied. Thanks for the interview. And enjoy your retirement.
Tom Attea, humorist and creator of http://NewsLaugh.com, has had six shows produced Off-Broadway. Critics have called his writing "delightfully funny," "witty," with "good, genuine laughs" and "great humor and ebullience."Beach Ca Long Restaurant Seafood
The Thorn Bird Mini Series
Texas Refineries
007 Movies
Soybeans Nutrition
Constructions Of Gender
1 Adidas Mac Man Shoes T Team
Chat Council Free Online Room
Furniture Kitchen Chair
Baseball
Football High School Score Wi
