Film Noir (Pocket Essentials)

A concise and essential companion to Film Noir, 25 Jan 2002

By 

Mr. W. Lynas “Bill Lynas” (Exeter,UK) –

  

What is Film Noir ? How did it start ? Which films are the best in the genre ? The answer to these questions and many more can be found in Paul Duncan’s “Film Noir.”
The book forms part of the Pocket Essentials series which covers actors, directors and genres in handy size volumes of around 100 pages. Easy to digest and very informative.
“Film Noir” contains in depth plotlines on sven classic Noir movies from “Stranger On The Third Floor”(1940) to Hitchcock’s “Vertigo”(1958). The reviews may be opinionated, but are detailed and fascinating. Duncan’s comments are witty and honest, even if you don’t agree with them all.
T book provides an overview of the genre’s history in addition to a list of pre and post Noir titles.
The most useful aspect of this guide for regular Noir watchers, and especially those new to this genre, is the forty page review of Film Noir titles from 1940 to 1960. These are at most a few lines each, but cover essential infomation including directors, cast, writers, plotlines and alternative US and UK release titles.
Next time you’re wondering if it’s worth watching one of those late night black and white movies pick up this guide and let it help you decide.
I may disagree with some of Duncan’s views…I think “Roadblock” is a classic film noir, while “Night Of The Hunter” is an overrated pice of tosh where style suffocates content.
Yet, strangely enough this book is my most thumbed film guide. Why not make it yours too ?

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