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Film noir, a term of French origin meaning “black film,” extends beyond its association with the distinctive low-key lighting technique. It’s characterized by a focus on morally ambiguous characters, a prevailing atmosphere of menace, fatalism, and pessimism. Common elements in film noir include an antihero detective or a troubled citizen grappling with a major problem, the presence of a femme fatale, themes of disillusionment, thought-provoking dialogue, and expert cinematography. The genre emerged in response to the challenging times brought about by the Great Depression and World War II.
Today, there is a vast array of film noirs and neo-noirs, some of which incorporate color, but the classic black and white films have maintained their popularity. Among these classics, a few stand out due to their intricate plots and compelling performances by the cast, promising to captivate audiences and keep them at the edge of their seats.
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10 Black and White Noir Films That Will Have You on the Edge of Your Seat
The Big Combo (1955)
In the film “The Big Combo,” Lieutenant Leonard Diamond has a straightforward objective: to bring down the cunning crime boss, Mr. Brown, in order to reduce the city’s crime rates, as most young criminals are working for him. Initially, he pursues this goal out of a sense of duty, but his motivation intensifies when he falls for Mr. Brown’s mistress, Susan Lowell. Leonard is well aware that by putting Mr. Brown behind bars, he increases his chances of winning Susan’s affection, which drives him to take action.
The movie is exceptionally violent, even by today’s standards, and it’s surprising how the director managed to evade trouble for violating the strict production code that was enforced in Hollywood during that time. However, this violence doesn’t necessarily repel the audience; instead, it piques their curiosity, keeping them eagerly anticipating the unfolding events. Notable scenes include one where a character is tortured using a hearing aid and another where hair tonic is forced down someone’s throat.
The performances by the cast are consistently impressive, and fans will be delighted to recognize familiar faces, particularly Lee Van Cleef, known for his roles in some of the greatest Western films of all time.
The Maltese Falcon (1941)
“The Maltese Falcon not only catapulted Humphrey Bogart to stardom but also established director John Huston as a prominent figure in Hollywood. In this film, the private detective Sam Spade is entangled in a web of intrigue as he grapples with the mystery of why three enigmatic individuals are in pursuit of a valuable falcon statuette adorned with jewels. Simultaneously, he delves into the murder of his partner, a crime that occurred shortly after taking on a new case.
The compelling nature of the story is not solely due to luck or raw talent. Dashiell Hammett, the author of the novel on which the film noir is based, had firsthand experience as a private detective, providing him with a profound understanding of the intricacies involved in cases like this.
There are numerous aspects to admire about The Maltese Falcon, but Bogart’s portrayal of Spade remains the central magnet that captivates viewers. Spade is akin to James Bond in some ways, yet he is a multifaceted character. Initially appearing to possess a strong moral compass, his flaws are gradually unveiled, such as his affair with his partner’s wife and his willingness to keep the femme fatale, Miss O’Shaughnessy, despite being fully aware of her treacherous nature.”
Double Indemnity (1944)
“In the movie ‘Double Indemnity,’ insurance fraud is a central theme. The story unfolds as Walter Neff, an insurance salesman, becomes romantically involved with Phyllis Dietrichson, a beautiful woman. Together, they devise a plan to murder her husband, hoping to cash in on the ‘double indemnity’ clause in the insurance policy, which promises double the payout in the case of an accidental death. However, just before the insurance assessor Barton Keys is about to make the payment, he starts to sense that something is amiss.
The film keeps the audience on edge, wondering whether Neff will have a change of heart and abandon the scheme, even though he appears to be moving forward with it. What’s unique about the movie is that the traditional protagonist takes a back seat, with the main focus on the morally ambiguous and villainous characters. Neff, in particular, stands out as a character who continually surprises the audience, including a shocking moment where he seduces the victim’s daughter, who has suspicions about her mother’s involvement in the crime.”
The Big Sleep (1946)
There are multiple movies featuring Private Detective Philip Marlowe as the central character, and “The Big Sleep” is the second installment in the series. In this film, Marlowe is hired by a General to uncover the true intentions of a man who is harassing the General’s daughter due to gambling debts. What is initially a straightforward investigation becomes complex when the General’s other daughter implies that her father might be concealing something.
“The Big Sleep” excels in various aspects, whether it’s the music by Max Steiner or the ingenious camera angles. It never lacks the elements that fans of the genre appreciate. Like many other protagonists in film noir, Marlowe has his imperfections, but it’s challenging not to respect his set of values. He despises firearms and even takes the opportunity to reprimand an adversary for possessing one. He tells the person, “You’re the second individual I’ve encountered today who believes that holding a gun in your hand gives you control over the world.”
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
Sunset Boulevard stands out from many other film noirs due to its narrative clarity. It begins with a striking image: a dead man in a pool, setting the tone for the rest of the story. This man is Joe Gillis, who surprisingly narrates the events that led to his demise. He was once a struggling screenwriter who crossed paths with an aging actress, and their relationship evolved into a complex love affair. However, when Joe started seeing someone else while living in her opulent mansion, tensions escalated.
Even years after its release, Sunset Boulevard remains a highly accurate portrayal of the harsh realities of Hollywood. It serves as a poignant reminder that in the world of entertainment, new stars are constantly rising while others fade into obscurity. The actress, in particular, is acutely aware of her decline, but she refuses to accept it. When Joe inquires about her past glory, she delivers a delusional yet compelling response, insisting, “I am still a big star; it’s the motion pictures that have become small.”
In addition to its well-structured plot and engaging dialogues, director Billy Wilder effectively employs voiceovers to maintain the film’s captivation throughout.
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Out of the Past (1947)
“Out of the Past” is an adaptation of Daniel Mainwaring’s novel “Build My Gallows High,” a title some might find more intriguing. The story revolves around a gas station owner who reluctantly reverts to his former life as a private detective when a former client approaches him to track down his girlfriend. Jeff, the private investigator, had successfully located the woman, but he ended up falling in love with her. To complicate matters, she has returned to her previous lover, leaving Jeff torn between accepting the new job.
This description merely scratches the surface of the intricate plot. The film is filled with numerous twists and turns, becoming quite complex at times. As a result, “Out of the Past” is the type of movie that benefits from multiple viewings to fully grasp its intricacies.
Nonetheless, the movie’s intellectual demands don’t detract from its greatness. Its visually alluring scenes and attractive characters are likely to captivate viewers, prompting them to watch it repeatedly to unravel its mysteries.
The Asphalt Jungle (1950)
It’s quite ironic how correctional facilities are named as such, given that most of the inmates tend to become more inclined towards criminal activities upon their release. In “The Asphalt Jungle,” the character Erwin “Doc” Riedenschneider is a prime example of someone who quickly returns to a life of crime after his release from prison. He assembles a team for a high-stakes jewel heist worth $500,000, but things take a dark turn when one of his associates attempts to betray him.
The inclusion of a young Marilyn Monroe, who plays the mistress of the double-crosser, added significant allure to the film at the time. Despite Monroe being often criticized for taking on what some saw as stereotypical “blonde” roles, she delivers a convincing performance in this movie. Moreover, “The Asphalt Jungle” distinguishes itself by not rushing into the action, unlike many other highly praised heist films. Instead, it takes the time to provide detailed backstories for all the characters, helping viewers better understand their motivations for choosing a life of crime.
Criss Cross (1949)
Some men struggle more than others when it comes to moving on from past relationships. Steve Thompson, an armored truck driver, finds himself in a costly situation due to his obsession with his ex-wife, who is now married to a dangerous crime boss named Slim Dundee. In an attempt to win her back, he takes the risky path of having an affair with her and proposes to help Dundee rob the very truck he drives. Unfortunately, this decision leads to a tragic outcome.
Despite Thompson’s misguided choices, it’s difficult not to sympathize with his strong desire to be with the woman he loves, who had once slipped through his fingers. Throughout most of the movie, there is a glimmer of hope that he might come out on top, but that hope is ultimately dashed. Even his detective friend regrets not intervening and expresses his sorrow, saying, “I should have been a better friend. I should have stopped you. I should have taken drastic measures. I’m sorry, Steve.”
For those who may not appreciate black and white films, there is a 1995 color remake directed by Steven Soderbergh called “Underneath.” Unfortunately, it falls far short of the original, mainly because Burt Lancaster’s performance cannot be replaced.
Sweet Smell of Success (1957)
Sweet Smell of Success doesn’t involve gangsters, guns, or any murders; instead, it revolves around intricate scheming where seemingly minor issues are taken very seriously by the characters. The story centers on J.J. Hunsecker, a powerful New York City newspaper columnist known for influencing public opinion. However, he struggles to control his sister, who he’s warned against marrying a jazz singer. Determined to thwart her marriage, he devises strategies.
Despite the absence of violence, the film incorporates classic film noir elements like low-key lighting, an overall sense of pessimism, and morally ambiguous characters. Sweet Smell of Success has left a significant mark, inspiring various references and attempts at replication by other directors and showrunners. For example, the “Contract” episode of Law & Order: Criminal Intent reimagines the movie, and the Breaking Bad episodes “Cat’s in the Bag…” and “…And the Bag’s in the River” directly borrow their titles from this film noir classic.
Touch of Evil (1958)
Orson Welles’ second-to-last film, “Touch of Evil,” features him portraying Captain Quillan, a law enforcement officer known for his desire for swift convictions. He doesn’t hesitate to fabricate evidence to ensure quick jail sentences for those he believes are guilty. When a DEA agent’s car is blown up, Captain Quillan promptly claims to have discovered dynamite in the suspect’s house. A Mexican prosecutor becomes suspicious and decides to delve into Quillan’s past.
The film noir captivates its audience right from the very beginning with a tense three-minute opening sequence. This sequence employs a crane shot to track the doomed car, which ultimately explodes. The film’s camera angles are striking and disorienting, featuring unsettling close-ups and extreme close-ups that scrutinize even the smallest details like suit wrinkles. The meticulous attention to detail ensures that every scene lingers in the viewer’s memory long after the credits have rolled.
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