The Philosophy of Film Noir
The Philosophy of Film Noir
Edited by Mark T. Conard.
Foreword by Robert Porfirio.
Published by University Press of Kentucky.
First published 2005.
Paperback.
ASIN: 0813191815
ISBN-10: 9780813191812
ISBN-13: 978-0813191812
Description:
"A satisfying book, as each of the
authors brings a unique perspective to the discussion and they are able to
isolate, identify, and explain some of the more subtle aspects of a genre
which, on the surface, seems all about gangsters and pretty girls who done
somebody wrong." – Blogcritics.
"Explores the philosophical underpinnings
of movies from the classical noir period and . . . suggests that films aren't
noir merely because they share a consistent tone, or certain visual
conventions, with the likes of The Maltese Falcon, The Postman Always Rings
Twice, and Double Indemnity." – Boston Globe.
"The essays work both as solid primers
into philosophy, stretching from Aristotle to Schopenhauer, and as lucid
excursions into the genre's dark, mean streets. . . . A fascinating, readable,
and provocative book. . . . Highly recommended." – Choice.
"An intellectually seductive, hard-boiled
romp through a world of moral murkiness, femme fatales, and desperately lonely
protagonist." – Eric Bronson, editor of Baseball and Philosophy.
"The collection aims to achieve two
goals: to introduce genuine philosophical problems and film noir
characteristics, while providing sufficiently in-depth discussion that those
familiar with either philosophical methods or film noir will not find the
material too elementary. Although facing a difficult task, Conard has put
together a collection that succeeds in both respects." – Intertexts.
"Dense and intriguing, the book suggests
noir is best perceived as a slightly warped mirror held up to contemporary
society." – Publishers Weekly.
"An excellent book, giving readers a very
good sense of the rich philosophical resources in film noir." – Thomas
Hibbs, author of Shows About Nothing.
"This collection of essays, delving into
the films and elucidating their philosophical depths, is challenging and
engaging. Read it and prepare to be provoked." – Les Reid, Philosophy Now.
Edited by Mark T. Conard.
Foreword by Robert Porfirio.
First published 2005.
Paperback.
ASIN: 0813191815
ISBN-10: 9780813191812
ISBN-13: 978-0813191812
A drifter with no name and no past, driven
purely by desire, is convinced by a beautiful woman to murder her husband. A
hard-drinking detective down on his luck becomes involved with a gang of
criminals in pursuit of a priceless artifact. The stories are at once romantic,
pessimistic, filled with anxiety and a sense of alienation, and they define the
essence of film noir. Noir emerged as a prominent American film genre in the
early 1940s, distinguishable by its use of unusual lighting, sinister plots, mysterious
characters, and dark themes. From The Maltese Falcon (1941) to Touch of Evil
(1958), films from this classic period reflect an atmosphere of corruption and
social decay that attracted such accomplished directors as John Huston, Alfred
Hitchcock, Billy Wilder, and Orson Welles. The Philosophy of Film Noir is the
first volume to focus exclusively on the philosophical underpinnings of these
iconic films. Drawing on the work of diverse thinkers, from the French
existentialist Albert Camus to the Frankurt school theorists Max Horkheimer and
Theodor Adorno, the volume connects film noir to the philosophical questions of
a modern, often nihilistic, world. Opening with an examination of what
constitutes noir cinema, the book interprets the philosophical elements
consistently present in the films―themes such as moral ambiguity, reason versus
passion, and pessimism. The contributors to the volume also argue that the
essence and elements of noir have fundamentally influenced movies outside of
the traditional noir period. Neo-noir films such as Pulp Fiction (1994), Fight
Club (1999), and Memento (2000) have reintroduced the genre to a contemporary
audience. As they assess the concepts present in individual films, the
contributors also illuminate and explore the philosophical themes that surface
in popular culture. A close examination of one of the most significant artistic
movements of the twentieth century, The Philosophy of Film Noir reinvigorates
an intellectual discussion at the intersection of popular culture and
philosophy.
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