Classic Old Movies

Not everyone loves classic old movies, and of those that do, not everyone gets excited about film noir or even knows what it is.

Click here for a definition of film noir.

But there's no denying there are a lot of die-hard fans out there, around the world, and this includes generations born long after the classic film noir production period faded out. Plus, countless of filmmakers and films from later decades have been heavily influenced or inspired by these early noirs, whether merely visually or thematically or both.

When we are talking about film noir classics, we are referring to those made in the 1940's and 50's. This covers the World War II era as well as the beginnings of the Cold War era.

Some people love all classic old movies, from westerns to comedies to silents to horror, while others are only fans of particular genres. In this day of fast cuts, jerky camera shots, 3D, HD, surround sound, extreme closeups without establishing shots, and of course color, why would anyone want to watch an old black and white film with outdated lingo? Especially ones with a dark and depressing ending?

I think the inside sleeve of the recently released The Film Noir Encyclopedia (edited by Alain Silver, Elizabeth Ward, James Ursini and Robert Porfirio) says it perfectly: "It's a world we all know--the seedy underbelly of the American Dream, and every bit as much a part of our culture."

Additionally, the wisecracking witticisms, sociological insights, psychological dynamics, the saucy dames, tough characters with vulnerabilities exposed, tormented souls, complex visual painting with light, intriguing mysteries and suspenseful yarns all help to make it fun. Because as dark as they are, a really good film noir is always a fun ride, right to the bitter end.

We love to see how the average nice joe can get into such a fix, usually due to some inherent weakness which we all can recognize and relate to. And then we watch him or her struggle through, often making one bad choice after another, with desperation becoming the driving force.

Three Old Black And White Movies that are film noir must-sees

Click here for Old Movie Stars of film noir.

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