Okay, I'm just getting into the genre of mystery / suspense. I'm currently in the second chapter of my first mystery ever. And as I was reading through all of these posts in the forum, I always heard about noir mysteries. But honestly, I'm not sure of a definition for the word 'noir.' Could someone help me out?
I know that Dashiell Hammett wrote noir novels, and I've only read one so far. But I'm going to watch the Maltese Falcon maybe tonight. But besides saying that I should go and read his books, can anyone else give me an idea of what 'noir' is?
Thanks in advance to anyone who can help,
*~*Laura*~*
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Writers are dreamers with good grammar skills.
Psalm 55:22a "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you."
Right now I'm mostly worried about surviving November! (It's my first year!)
44,163 / 50,000
Feb 2, 2008 - 18 47
Noir actually refers to 'film noir' and there is alot of info on the web about 'film noir' movies. Many of these movies were based on hard-boiled detective novels and there is also plenty of info on them on the web. But, to summarize for you:
Both 'film noir' movies and hard-boiled detective novels feature a world-weary, street-smart protagonist. More likely than not, he is a private investigator. His world is one of corruption, violence and deception, but the protagonist is, despite appearances to the contrary, an honorable man. Quite often, he takes what appears to be a simple, straight-forward case but, through a series of complications, he is swept along by the circumstances - as much 'victim' as 'investigator' - and he has to solve the case to save his ass. The mood is generally dark and cynical, with a sense of desperation. Part of the draw, though, is the unique way in which people and situations are conveyed: "I hung up. It was a step in the right direction, but it wasn't enough. I should have locked the door and hid under the desk." "I bought her a drink. She looked like the kind of dame who'd take a drink - even if she had to knock you down for the bottle." (I'm quoting from memory, so I may have gotten a word wrong here or there).
Personally, I prefer Chandler to Hammett. 'Farewell, My Lovely' is one you should read, even if you read no others. It's also available on film, if you prefer: Farewell, My Lovely w/Robert Mitchum as Philip Marlowe and Murder, My Sweet with Dick Preston as Marlowe. The Big Sleep is another I'd like to recommend and was also made into a movie.
50,018 / 50,000
Feb 9, 2008 - 12 30
Noir = an existensial tale about the corruption an ultimate destruction of a man (or woman).
Hardboiled= gritty, crime story, in contrast to the traditional (Christie-like) mystery tale
Good examples of films noir - Double Indemnity, Criss Cross, Night and the City (my fave)...authors Cornell Woolrich, James Cain
Good examples of hard boiled - Maltese Falcon, Murder, My Sweet (Farewell, My Lovely)...authors Raymond Chandler, Dashiel Hammett
Tony
67,584 / 50,000
Feb 15, 2008 - 21 36
Hey, thanks guys! You two have given me exactly what I needed. I don't know if I could ever write in this genre, although I'd be interested in trying. Someday perhaps...?
Once again, thanks for all of the info!
*~*Laura*~*