Author Archives: Krystine B

Shadow Play(Now in Color!) : 1984 and Brazil

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While calling 1984 Noir may be debatable, it’s obvious that the novel highly influenced the 1985 film, Brazil. In fact, it was almost named 1984 and a 1/2, according to Terry Gilliam. Set in ‘somewhere in the 20th century’ Brazil follows the life of Sam Lowry. While 1984 is set in a dystopian future, Brazil is technically set in the present. Aspects of 1984 can be found throughout the movie. An example are the screens found in almost every room. In 1984, the public is always under the watchful eye of telescreens. In Brazil, the public is always staring at one screen or another. In addition, the controlling power in Brazil is the ministry of information. This is similar to ministries found in 1984: The Ministry of Truth , The Ministry of Peace , The  Ministry of Love, and The Ministry of Plenty. Another example of the similarities between the two works is the separation of classes. In 1984, Winston Smith has hope in the proles, which are a step below his class. In Brazil, Sam Lowry leaves the automated, glistening portion of  his city to give a check to the impoverished Mrs. Buttle. Mrs. Buttle’s portion of the similar doesn’t look too far from modern day, reinforcing the belief that ‘Brazil’ could happen anytime soon.

Shadow Play: The Set-up (1949)

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Our latest film took a break from the gumshoe and/or heist scheme with The Set-up.

The movie focuses on a boxer past his prime named Stoker. While Stoker is struggling

to become a champ, his girlfriend Julie wants to settle down. Stoker’s focus is on the

match, and the money he can make from it. Unbeknownst to him, his manager has a

deal with a Big shot named Little Boy. Little Boy has big money riding on Stoker’s fight,

and has paid his manager off to make sure Stoker loses. As the movie unfolds, it seems

like no one is in Stoker’s corner. The characters all seem to have their own agendas.

Like in other films seen this semester, one of the best parts of the film is the setting. The

bright lights of paradise city and Hotel cozy contrast well with the dark alleyways and

locker rooms of the center. Stoker’s match takes center stage from the moment it starts.

The fight is long and realistic, grabbing the audience’s attention. And there’s plenty of

little extras thrown in to the moment. Several members of Stoker’s audience become

memorable, from the betting couple to the man that seems to be eating nonstop. Stoker

goes through a change after seeing that Julie has not come to the match. Her empty

seat remains visible through the fight. While Stoker is fighting in the ring Julie is fighting

with her feelings. She wanders the city observing passerby. After seeing a rock’em

sock’em boxing toy, her mind goes back to Stoker. There’s s magnificent shot of Julie at

a overpass, as she rips up her ticket to the unfolding boxing match. The film is different

from others presented this term, but its those differences that make it memorable.

Shadow Play: Asphalt Jungle

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In our last class, we spoke about the Noir City, and how it plays a part in Film Noir. Our film for the week was Asphalt Jungle. A perfect film for the subject. A major theme of Noir films is the lack of a home. A main character usually strolls into the main setting, sometimes only to ultimately leave again. This ‘homelessness’ leaves the character with only their actions as their base.

In Asphalt Jungle, the city is definitely a character. When the movie begins, we watch a man duck behind a pillar in order to not be seen by a passing patrol car. The background is constantly used in the story. Another example of this is the storefront  run by the character, Cubby. It is a well-known betting spot that all the characters are aware of for one reason or another. In one scene Cubby pays off a police lieutenant to keep it going. In another scene the robbers discuss the upcoming heist here. As the film reaches its climax, Cubby is told to close the place down. He refuses. Believing he has the upper hand, he blackmails the lieutenant, telling him that he’ll tell the commissioner all about their deal. The lieutenant grabs him and smacks him around the  room, turning the tide against Cubby who is now ready to confess.

 

Shadow Play: Out of the past

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During the last class we were asked to come up with a definition for Film Noir. In retrospect, our definitions seem a little narrow minded when compared to the film, Out of the past. In the film, unlike the others we watched, our “Gumshoe” isn’t really a detective per se. The movie starts with a man entering a small town, looking for a man named ‘Jeff Bailey’. To the townspeople, Jeff is just a stranger who turned up one day and pumps gas at the station. He works alongside his assistant, known only as “The Kid” (And I checked, there’s no name for the guy) a deaf young boy. But, as the movie goes on, we see there is more to Jeff and his companion. The movie goes back into the past without warning, giving us insight to the man Jeff really was. Before pumping gas, he worked as a private eye for a man named Jack. Jack’s partner, Kathy, has apparently skipped town with a large sum. However, he’s more concerned with finding her than he is the money. Jeff goes across the border to tail her. As quick as lightning, a relationship form between Jeff and Kathy and they run off to start a new life together. Jeff thinks Kathy is a damsel in distress but it’s clear after she shoots another of Jack’s henchmen that she is actually our femme fatale for the movie. From there on out Jeff is stock between one trial after the other, ranging from fraud to murder. In the end, he pays the ultimate price for finding a way out of it. This movie takes a break from some of the themes seen in the other movies while still being true to its genre.

Shadow Play: Double Indemnity

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During our last class we viewed the film Double Indemnity, based on the book of the same name. Though there are several differences between the book and the film, the key characters are basically the same. We have two character types that appear in Noir film, the femme fatale, Phyllis and the not so good protagonist, Huff.The film had its share of controversy, taking 8 years before getting made. The main themes of the novel/film include infidelity, murder, and suspense.

Neff/Huff is a insurance salesman that goes door to door. The trouble begins when Neff/Huff meets Phyllis. In the movie she appears slightly under-dressed. In the novel she is in pajamas. Either way, from his narrations it is clear he has more than her husbands auto insurance on his mind. Soon, he is accusing Phyllis. Neff uses the situation to enact his wish of getting over on his insurance company. However, it is clear that he is merely a puppet in Phyllis’ plan. As we learn from her step daughter Lola, Phyllis most likely murdered Lola’s mother.