Critical Theory: Film Noir - DVD Cover Analysis

In this post, I will be analysing the DVD covers of two classic film noirs - Double Indemnity and The Killers.

 

There are many similarites between the covers, and all these fit the typical conventions of films of the genre. The two main character types - the anti-hero and femme fatale - are both present. The colours used on the artwork represent one of the main characteristics of a film noir. Black and white is used extensively on both covers, and there is flashes of red (another key colour) in the form of the text.

Critical Theory: Film Classification

Symbol	Name	Definition/Notes
	Universal	All ages admitted, there is nothing unsuitable for children over 4.
	Parental Guidance	All ages admitted, but certain scenes may be unsuitable for children under 8. May contain mild language and sex/drugs references. May contain moderate violence if justified by context (e.g. fantasy).
	12A	Films under this category are considered to be unsuitable for very young people. Films under this category can contain mature themes, discrimination, soft drugs, moderate swear words, infrequent strong language and moderate violence/sex references.
	12	Films in this category may include infrequent drugs, infrequent use of strong language, brief nudity, discreet sexual activity, and moderate violence.
	15	Films under this category can contain adult themes, hard drugs, strong language and one use of very strong language, moderate-strong violence/sex references, and undetailed sex activity.
	18	Films under this category do not have limitation on the bad language that is used. Hard drugs are generally allowed, and strong violence/sex references along with strong sexual activity is also allowed. Scenes of strong real sex may be permitted if justified by the context.

Critical Theory: Survey Monkey - Reflective comments

I think Survey Monkey is a good way of getting people's opinions on subjects. It allows you to reach a wider audience who may not have responded otherwise. The feedback you receive can then be used to adapt and improve your work.
Through using Survey Monkey, I have learnt the most effective way of phrasing questions in order to get the most useful answers.
It has helped me in my own production plans as I am now able to find out what people look for in film noirs, and apply this to my work.

Audience Research: Improved Film Noir Survey

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

I have made a number of improvements as a result of feedback for my initial survey. These are:

• More questions, therefore resolving the main issue with the original.
• Definition of film noir to ensure subject is clear to readers and potential voters.
• Clear indication of how many answers to choose in response to a question.

Audience Research: Film Noir Survey

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

The main flaw with my original survey is the lack of questions. Also, there is no indication as to how many options can be chosen as an answer.

Critical Theory: Using Slideshare for research purposes

Film Noir

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This presentation features information on the key conventions typically found in film noirs. Not only does it talk about character and themes, it also covers the more technical aspects of the films such as lighting and sound.
This presentation gave me a simple yet concise explanation of the genre, and thus helped me to increase my understanding. It also made me aware of certain conventions that may have proved a problem when it came to do my own piece. An example of this is sound.
Through using this presentation, I can ensure my film fits the noir genre clearly, and that I include as many aspects of the conventions as possible.

Critical Theory: Neo Noir

Neo noir is defined as 'a film set in contemporary times, that shows characteristics of a film noir in plot or style' (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/neo-noir).
Some examples of films within this genre are: Blade Runner, Fatal Attraction, Basic Instinct, Sin City and The Black Dahlia. We looked at two other pieces of work that fit the neo noir conventions - Mulholland Drive and The Red Riding Trilogy (TV series). We made notes on typical and non-typical features of both.
Red Riding
Typical
The main character was seen smoking, alongside various other characters. He is also seen drinking (a characteristic present in the anti-hero in some film noirs).
The lighting is very sepia in tone.
Narration features heavily.
There is a crime based storyline.
The narrative of the piece works backwards.
Untypical
The music is guitar based as opposed to classical.
The location is rural rather than urban.
Blood is featured extensively. In classic film noirs, it was not allowed to be shown.

Mulholland Drive
Typical
There is a femme fatale character.
The storyline is crime based.
It is set in an urban location.
Smoke features heavily.
Untypical
There is no male anti-hero. Instead, that character type is taken by a woman.

Critical Theory: Film Noir

FILM NOIR on Prezi