L. A. Noir: Nine Dark Visions of the City of Angels

Rating:
Summary: "Characters become pawns of fate."
Review: Delighted by author, William Hare's book, "Early Film Noir", I turned to "LA Noir: Nine Dark Visions of the City of Angels." The book covers the films: "The Big Sleep" "Criss Cross" "D.O.A" "In a Lonely Place" "The Blue Gardenia" "Kiss Me Deadly" "The Killing" "Chinatown" and "L.A. Confidential." Each one of these noir films is centered in the city of Los Angeles, and the author argues that Los Angeles is a "city created by a never-ending migration"--a place that is pivotal to the genre of film noir. Indeed, film noir giant, writer Raymond Chandler "loved the spirited anarchy of the city." The book examines the plots of the nine films and the relationship between the plots and the all-important setting of Los Angeles. For example, the author argues that "In a Lonely Place" "reveals the pervasive uncertainties of the Hollywood film industry." In "The Blue Gardenia" an innocent girl (Anne Baxter) recently relocated from Bakersfield to Los Angeles, is pegged as a soft touch by practiced playboy Harry Prebble (Raymond Burr).

"LA Noir" is comprised of nine chapters--one covering each film. Each chapter is loaded with details--including plot synopsis, the careers of various cast members, and problems both on and off the set. For example, the chapter "Lancaster Noir" covers the film "Criss Cross" and includes details of how Burt Lancaster was spotted by a talent scout, other noir films in Lancaster's career, and the comparison of the femme fatales from "Criss Cross" (Yvonne de Carlo), "The Killers" (Ava Gardener), and "Out of the Past" (Jane Greer).

The chapter covering "In a Lonely Place" explores the idea of Bogart's tremendous appeal, and author Hare argues that Bogart "thrived on playing characters from stories containing brooding darkness and moral ambiguity." The author also analyzes Gloria Grahame's stage presence. As Grahame is a great favourite of mine, I was particularly delighted to read details of her much underappreciated contribution to film noir. A large portion of the chapter is given to details of director, Nicholas Ray.

"LA Noir" is not for those merely casually interested in film noir or for those desiring an overview of the genre. This book is for the true aficionado who already has grounding in the subject and yearns for an integrative approach, or for fans of any of the nine films. For those addicted to film noir, "LA Noir" offers a remarkable feast of details, and it's clear the book is written by someone passionate about the genre. This is a book I shall return to many times--displacedhuman


Rating:
Summary: A Great Book that Makes These Great Films Even Better
Review: Following up the triumph of his first book devoted to the "Noir" genre, the incisive and entertaining "Early Film Noir: Greed, Lust and Murder Hollywood Style," one of the best books ever written on the subject, author and film historian William Hare surpasses his own benchmark with this offering, his second volume on Film Noir, "L.A. Noir: Nine Dark Visions of the City of Angels," a comprehensive and thoroughly engrossing book that already has readers and true fans of the cinema rejoicing in the aisles.

Focusing on nine classic "Noir" films, all of which are set in Los Angeles and exemplify the perfection of this particular art form-- and it is most definitely an art form-- Mr. Hare takes us once again into that clandestine world of shadows and fog, neon lights that beckon to lost souls in the night, the hard guys and the femmes fatales who can bring them to their knees in spite of themselves. It's a rich tapestry of the human condition, captured in luxurious black&white (or in the spirit thereof) on a living, breathing canvas called the Silver Screen, which the author masterfully dissects and explores here between the covers of his book.

William Hare's extensive knowledge of his subject is readily apparent in every chapter as he provides his reader-- and those who later view the films discussed here-- the kind of invaluable insights that afford a fresh perspective to even those films that may be personal, oft viewed favorites, such as (in my case) "Criss Cross, starring Burt Lancaster and Yvonne De Carlo; "L.A. Confidential," the film which catapulted Russell Crowe to stardom and secured a well-deserved Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for the lovely Kim Basinger; "The Killing," which launched Stanley Kubrick's career and features Sterling Hayden in one of his best roles; and "In A Lonely Place," starring Humphrey Bogart in a stellar performance as a Hollywood screenwriter with a short fuse and a penchant for violence-- something of a departure for Bogart in a role that, once you've seen it, you'll never forget.

As he did in "Early Film Noir,"-- and he deserves to be complimented as a writer and fellow artist for doing so-- Hare recognizes the collaborative effort that goes into the making of these great films: The actors, directors, producers, writers, cinematographers-- all of the artists who contributed to the collective vision that ultimately became "The Film"-- get their just due here from the author. Ralph Meeker, for example, finally gets the kind of acclaim for his dynamic portrayal of Mike Hammer in "Kiss Me Deadly" (arguably his best performance ever), that has long since been overdue. Additionally, by reviewing the resumes of those involved in the making of these nine films, it enables the author to discuss other projects significant to the development of their individual careers and to the "Noir" genre as a whole.

Enhancing the enjoyment of this book further still, is Mr. Hare's command of his craft as a writer. The rhythm and flow of his narrative takes you from page to page with facility, making this one of those books you simply do not want to put down. In the end, "L.A. Noir: Nine Dark Visions of the City of Angels" is an adventure; a journey of exploration and discovery that takes you from the dark alleys of the city to the Pacific Ocean, from Angels Flight Railway to Chinatown and to the San Fernando Valley of yesteryear. By the time you're through, you'll know a lot more about movies and, without question, have a greater appreciation for the artists whose labors of love brought them to life. You'll come away, as well, with perhaps a better understanding of why "Chinatown," for instance, is one of your favorite films, and what exactly made Jack Nicholson's performance as Jake Gittes so memorable. For anyone who loves movies and learning about what makes them tick, this book is an absolute must-have for your library. Kudos to author Hare for his work, and for making the viewing of these magnificent films an experience that just keeps getting better than ever.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Book that Makes These Great Films Even Better
Review: Following up the triumph of his first book devoted to the "Noir" genre, the incisive and entertaining "Early Film Noir: Greed, Lust and Murder Hollywood Style," one of the best books ever written on the subject, author and film historian William Hare surpasses his own benchmark with this offering, his second volume on Film Noir, "L.A. Noir: Nine Dark Visions of the City of Angels," a comprehensive and thoroughly engrossing book that already has readers and true fans of the cinema rejoicing in the aisles.

Focusing on nine classic "Noir" films, all of which are set in Los Angeles and exemplify the perfection of this particular art form-- and it is most definitely an art form-- Mr. Hare takes us once again into that clandestine world of shadows and fog, neon lights that beckon to lost souls in the night, the hard guys and the femmes fatales who can bring them to their knees in spite of themselves. It's a rich tapestry of the human condition, captured in luxurious black&white (or in the spirit thereof) on a living, breathing canvas called the Silver Screen, which the author masterfully dissects and explores here between the covers of his book.

William Hare's extensive knowledge of his subject is readily apparent in every chapter as he provides his reader-- and those who later view the films discussed here-- the kind of invaluable insights that afford a fresh perspective to even those films that may be personal, oft viewed favorites, such as (in my case) "Criss Cross, starring Burt Lancaster and Yvonne De Carlo; "L.A. Confidential," the film which catapulted Russell Crowe to stardom and secured a well-deserved Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for the lovely Kim Basinger; "The Killing," which launched Stanley Kubrick's career and features Sterling Hayden in one of his best roles; and "In A Lonely Place," starring Humphrey Bogart in a stellar performance as a Hollywood screenwriter with a short fuse and a penchant for violence-- something of a departure for Bogart in a role that, once you've seen it, you'll never forget.

As he did in "Early Film Noir,"-- and he deserves to be complimented as a writer and fellow artist for doing so-- Hare recognizes the collaborative effort that goes into the making of these great films: The actors, directors, producers, writers, cinematographers-- all of the artists who contributed to the collective vision that ultimately became "The Film"-- get their just due here from the author. Ralph Meeker, for example, finally gets the kind of acclaim for his dynamic portrayal of Mike Hammer in "Kiss Me Deadly" (arguably his best performance ever), that has long since been overdue. Additionally, by reviewing the resumes of those involved in the making of these nine films, it enables the author to discuss other projects significant to the development of their individual careers and to the "Noir" genre as a whole.

Enhancing the enjoyment of this book further still, is Mr. Hare's command of his craft as a writer. The rhythm and flow of his narrative takes you from page to page with facility, making this one of those books you simply do not want to put down. In the end, "L.A. Noir: Nine Dark Visions of the City of Angels" is an adventure; a journey of exploration and discovery that takes you from the dark alleys of the city to the Pacific Ocean, from Angels Flight Railway to Chinatown and to the San Fernando Valley of yesteryear. By the time you're through, you'll know a lot more about movies and, without question, have a greater appreciation for the artists whose labors of love brought them to life. You'll come away, as well, with perhaps a better understanding of why "Chinatown," for instance, is one of your favorite films, and what exactly made Jack Nicholson's performance as Jake Gittes so memorable. For anyone who loves movies and learning about what makes them tick, this book is an absolute must-have for your library. Kudos to author Hare for his work, and for making the viewing of these magnificent films an experience that just keeps getting better than ever.