Why I Like Classic Film Noir

August 25, 2008 by Chris · Comments Off
Filed under: Writer's Life

Classic film noir is my favorite movie genre. I admit it influenced the creation of my current work, “Murder To Order”. I drew upon classic characterizations of chivalrous men and femme fatales for my characters. I wanted my characters to be classy, and where better to get inspiration than from the masters?

My atmospheres are not dark, however, nor my plots. Rather they revolve around classic themes. There’s that word again–classic. I gravitate to what works. I gravitate toward familiar waters. I swim in waters that I consider classic, that stand the test of time. It’s a good, safe investment.

What I do is this. I utilize the classics with a modern twist. I bring the classics of the past to present settings and let them go. More often than not, they do not disappoint. They aren’t cheap. They try to take the high road even if they happen to be a murderer.

Every new movie I discover teaches me more. Take the latest movie I stumbled upon, “Too Late For Tears“. You’ve probably never heard of it. I never did, nor the actors in it. Yet, the movie featured a positively ruthless femme fatale whose image I’ve stored away for a future character. My point is that these characters are drawn closer to the core, making them great fodder for drawing different, perhaps more complex characters. So, if you need inspiration, look back.