how can i find a film noir that i have watched before, that has a phone booth with people calling a juke box operator, requesting a song? it is not Swing Hostess but that has the same set up in it.......thanks.
Double Indemnity is one of my favorite films! The second year I was with my girlfriend (this would have been 2013 or so) her grandmother was dying of cancer, and I got to hang out with her a lot and get to know her. This was before I got really into movies, and she was watching TV and we watched Double Indemnity together. I had no idea anyone thought of it as a classic at the time. I just thought of it as a movie that my girlfriend’s grandmother was really excited to watch. We watched it together and had absolutely the best time. It blew me away. It still blows me away today. It’s one of my favorite memories of her, and in general. Just wanted to leave this story here for you. Great RUclips channel.
Ever notice how much American Beauty (1999) is similar to Sunset Boulevard? The scene where Annette Bening's character gets busted at the drive thru came from that. Portrait of Jennie (1948) also influenced American Beauty.
As a film noir lover it's so difficult to pick up just 10 titles. I would say more: -City Streets -Scarface (1932) -The Man who Knew too Much -G Men -The Glass Key -Shadow of a Doubt -Murder, my Sweet -The Woman in the Window -Double Indemnity -Detour -The Chase -The Killers -Nightmare Alley -The Lady from Shanghai -Dark Passage -Naked City -Pitfall -CrissCross -White Heat -The Crooked Way -Dead or Alive -Stray Dog -The Third Man -Where the Sidewalk Ends -Mystery Street -Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye -Woman on the Run -The Asphalt Jungle -Strangers on a Train -Man Bait -Kansas City Confidential -The Big Heat -The Good Die Young -Crime Wave -Dial "M" for Murder -Suddenly -Hands Off the Loot -The Big Combo -Los Peces Rojos -Rififi -Accused of Murder -The Killing -The Price of Fear -The Long Haul -The Line-up -Rusty Knife -Touch of Evil -A Sangre Fría -Odds Against Tomorrow -The Sleeping Beast Within -The Last Gunfight -Blast of Silence -Experiment in Terror -A Tiro Limpio -High and Low -Youth of the Beast -Black Express -Cruel Gun Story -Escape from Japan -El Salario del Crimen -Cash Calls Hell -Le deuxième souffle -Point Blank -A Colt Is My Passport -Le Samourai -Massacre Gun I think I can stop already
IMO the first 4 are not noirs, but to each his own. Film noir is generally considered to have begun in 1940, Of course films like Lang's You Only Live Once from 1937 have noir characteristics..
Great list, here are 10 just as good or better ;) 1 - Force of Evil - Abraham Polonsky 1948 2 - Touch of Evil - Orson Wells 1958 3 - Raw Deal - Anthony Mann 1948 4 - The Asphalt Jungle - John Huston 1950 5 - The Killers - Robert Siodmak 1946 6 - The Hitch-Hiker - Ida Lupino 1953 7 - The Killing - Stanley Kubrick 1956 8 - Criss Cross - Robert Siodmak 1949 9 - The Set-up - Robert Wise 1949 10 - Laura - Otto Preminger 1944 Love your channel, but I really miss your dad's journey into world cinema. Keep up the good work!
Totally agree with all your choices, but leaving The Maltese Falcon out.... for me that's the king of noir. And a great noir of the very early 80s is Body Heat, which is a kind of homage to Double indemnity. If you haven't seen it you would probably like it, I'd guess. Incredible score from John Barry, too.
I just watched In a Lonely Place with Bogart. Starts with a noir set up but drifts more towards a relationship drama in a really interesting a raw way. It's got a great Criterion release.
“In A Lonely Place” takes combat trauma seriously. Bogart’s wartime experience shapes his character, and uncertainty and ignorance motivates the antagonist pursuit, as if he were pursuing Jean Valjean.
Thank you for including Sweet Smell of Success, a movie I still think is so underrated. Incredible acting and the dialogue is among the best in film history.
My favorite film genre after I was introduced to it by my dad when I was 10 yrs old! 55 yrs later, they continue to fascinate me and continue to be my favorite type of movies. I never tire of watching them. Please don't forget "Murder my Sweet" with Dick Powell which is also another quintessential film noir classic! Thanks for your listing. I've watched them all...
My top ten: 10) Night & The City 9) Where The Sidewalk Ends 8) Leave Her To Heaven 7) Key Largo 6) The Killing 5) Mildred Pierce 4) Shadow Of A Doubt 3) The Big Heat 2) The Asphalt Jungle 1) Double Indemnity I could easily list 20 more though that I love like This Gun For Hire, Dark Passage, Angel Face, In A Lonely Place, White Heat, Gun Crazy, Scarlet Street, Out Of The Past, The Postman Always Rings Twice, They Live By Night etc., it's just a genre rich with gems.
When they were making the film of The Big Sleep, no one could figure out how the chauffeur ended up dead in the car that went into the water. Howard Hawks finally called Raymond Chandler, who wrote the book, to ask him. Chandler replied “I never figured that out either!”
I've heard that story before, too. I always assumed it was Joe Brody. I mean he sapped him down, supposedly left him way out near Beverly. Joe did it. He's made for the rap.
Great list as always. My favourites Classic Film Noir: The Third Man (probably my favorite, although not even American...); The Big Sleep; ; Dead Reckoning; Dark Passage; Double Indemnity; In a Lonely Place; Key Largo; Leave Her to Heaven; The Maltese Falcon; Nightmare Alley; The Night of the Hunter; Out of the Past; The Strange Love of Martha Ivers; The Killing Neo Noire: Chinatown; Blade Runner; Body Heat; Naked Lunch; Brick; Non-American Film Noir: M, Elevator to the Gallows; Bob Le Flambeur; Touchez Pas Au Grisbi; Long Day's Journey Into Night So many others...
Jules Dassin’s Night and the City is one of my personal favourites, In fact I believe he has the strongest run of decent noir pictures and often get left out of the conversation. Great video, would love to see you do a top underrated noir list.
My number one noir will always be Kubrick's The Killing, such an amazing heist film. Love both the Criterion and Arrow editions of it as well. Can't say I enjoy the also included Killer's Kiss noir by Kubrick as much though 😂
Excellent list! No list would be complete, however, without "The Maltese Falcon," "Laura,""The Third Man," and "Gilda," "The Postman Always Rings Twice," and countless lesser known entries in the genre. And for neo-noir, I strongly recommend "Body Heat"...
Other good ones off the top of my head: Key Largo, The Third Man, The Asphalt Jungle, Elevator to the Gallows, Gilda...The Big Heat is a big favorite of mine too
@@cfbilly70 Sterling Hayden, complete with his “precious bodily fluids,” Jean Hagen proving she was nothing like her “Singing in the Rain” character 10 years later, and even a young Marilyn Monroe in a bit part. I’m fortunate, as I am in Region 1.
@@DeeEllEff That is far-out. I never heard of anyone who disliked Glenn Ford. I recently saw him in “The Violent Men” and “Human Desire” and I enjoyed him in both movies.
I got into film noir at a young age ,( was allowed to watch any film I wanted from the age of 4 (1963) I was sick a lot so I just about saw everything, like all the films you have mentioned, Here is a few of my favourites. Miami Blues, (Alex Baldwin) The bridge ( rod stiger) Fires on the Plain ( japanese) Wages of fear, (French ) White heat Forbidden Games ( I love Clouzot) Ace in the hole/ The big Carnival Sunshine ? ( it's almost wages of fear in Space, )
Your picks are excellent, Elliot. I would add The Third Man, Sunset Boulevard, Touch of Evil, The Killing, and all of the three other Bogie and Bacall film noir movies beginning with To Have And Have Not and ending with Key Largo. Some years ago in Sacramento, California I saw a double feature of Double Indemnity and Sunset Boulevard in a 1950's era movie theater. Film noir author Eddie Muller introduced the films and talked about them and film noir in general. He also answered questions from the audience. It was a very memorable movie going experience! 👍👍👍
Just picked up Leave Her to Heaven in the Criterion sale! I'd highly recommend Experiment In Terror (released by Indicator), I just watched it recently and might be my favourite film I've seen so far this year. It falls right near the end of the film noir movement, so it feels a little closer to a straight forward crime thriller that we'd expect today but my God was it good. Clearly a huge influence on David Lynch and David Fincher - it feels like if Zodiac was made in the early 1960s. And quite possibly the most stunning black and white photography I have ever seen in a film. Hiiighly recommend.
Oh man, you’re killing me. I added almost all of these titles to my list of films I need to check out (and possibly purchase). Love your content! Thanks for all the incredible recommendation videos.
Great review ! Out of the past , The lady from Shanghai, Leave her to Heaven, Double Indemnity, Gun Crazy, Kiss me deadly, The Big Sleep are also on my list. I would have added Laura, Criss cross
So many great Film Noirs out there on Blu Ray. Here's my top 5. 1. "Laura" (1944 - a great musical score by David Raskin). 2. "The Big Sleep" (1946 - William Faulker credited on the screenplay !) 3. "In A lonely Place" (1950 - Gloria Grahame my favourite femme fatale). 4. "Detour" (1945 - Tom Neal the classic doomed man and Ann Savage the most vicious Femme fatale. 5. "Force Of Evil" (1948 a socially leaning noir).
You should do a follow up on Neo-noir films like Chinatown, Drive, L.A. Confidential, Blade Runner and Body Heat. Hmm.. does Seven fit in here as well? It could.
Elliot!! Nice to see you again! Watching your new video right now! Film noir is indeed fantastic and the Criterion Collection has great selections! Always nice to see your new videos man!
Great list! I have seen 90% of these films and studied Noir a bit at university so I didn't gain much new info but it was great to see so many favourites on your list. Double Indemnity is a top 5 film but Gun Crazy is a personal favourite. Thanks!.
Great list and great video ad always Elliot! I’m a massive Film Noir fan so I thought that I’d have seen everything on this list but there were a couple which I’m yet to see so thanks for the recommendations. If you haven’t already I’d recommend checking out Welles’ Touch of Evil which is one of my favorite noirs.
1. In A Lonely Place 2. Out Of The Past 3. The Third Man 4. Sweet Smell Of Sucess 5. Touch Of Evil 6. Sunset Boulevard 7. Double Indemnity 8. The Big Sleep 9. Night And The City 10. Kiss Me Deadly
Brilliant list, love that you mix the big budgets like double indemnity and big sleep with detour and gun crazy, I also like the Otto Preminger collection that was released on blu ray a few years ago. I personally would have put double indemnity top because my only criticism of big sleep and the Maltese Falcon (which is arguably the first ever film noir) is that Humphrey Bogart comes across as invincible
Very nice list, and helpful explanations for the uninitiated. I also like the UK noir Brighton Rock, Kiss Of Death, Notorious, Odds Against Tomorrow, The Woman in the Window, The Spiral Staircase, Ride the Pink Horse, Narrow Margin and The Wrong Man.. Once you really start digging into these, the list is endless -- and that's just for the classic period of the 40s and 50s.
I'm glad you showed the still of the book shop scene from The Big Sleep as this is a scene I always think of... The Clark Kent moment where she takes off her glasses is brilliant!
Nice video Elliot, though I'm surprised you don't have The Maltese Falcon?. Another historically unsung film noir would be Kansas City Confidential. Even features a small thug role from yet to be genre star Lee Van Cleef. It was considered pretty gritty, nihilistic, and dark for the fifties during the Hayes Code. You can see the influence it had on QT's Reservoir Dogs
Thanks so much, Chandan! The Maltese Falcon would be just outside my top 10, definitely in the top 20. I'll have to check out Kansas City Confidential. Thanks for the recommendation!
Nice list but 10 is very limited. I miss Laura, The Asphalt Jungle, Midred Pierce, The Postman always rings twice, Force of Evil, The Killers... and another fantastic film noir which is going to be released on Blu-ray soon: Nightmare Alley.
@@ElliotCoen I like your list as is. The Maltese Falcon doesn't need yet another endorsement, it's an obligatory presence on list after list. Thank you for thinking independently!
I thought for sure that his intro to “The Big Sleep” was actually going to be for “The Maltese Falcon.” Perhaps the really hard-core noir fan prefers the plot to be completely inscrutable rather than merely a bit hard to follow.
@@DeeEllEff Agreed The Big Sleep is inscrutable. The screenplay is close to the book at first, up to the point where the studio decided to make it a romantic story, presumably because of the Bogart-Bacall chemistry. There's distinctly a seam where the first screenplay was abandoned, and the last part of the movie doesn't always make sense with reference to the first part. Edit: But I personally enjoyed every minute of it regardless.
My father was married to Bette Davis . His name was William Grant Sherry. He was married to her from 1945 to 1950. My name is John Grant Sherry. I know so many inside stories about the both of them. I have kept quiet until now.
interesting choices . I would also recommend : The Maltese Falcon ( my favourite noir ) The Big Combo Where Danger Lives Human Desire Nightfall Touch of Evil The Last Seduction ( modern day classic noir ) LA Confidential. ( also modern day classic ) Point Blank The Killers His Kind of Woman The Lineup And any number of Hitchcock , and Bogart movies.
Hey Elliot! I've been wanting to watch more film noir movies because I have limited experience with them but I've immensely enjoyed the ones I've seen. Sweet Smell of Success was the last one I watched and thought it was excellent, and I thought the same of Double Indemnity which I saw not long before that. I'll be sure to check out the other films that you mentioned that I'm still yet to see! Fantastic video mate 👍
Nice list, again, Elliot. A lot of good recommendations here, and in the comments section (some of which I will need to purchase) which I will be venturing into this month. There doesn't seem to be much mention of 'The Blue Dahlia', which has a great Arrow Academy release, so I would like to put that recommendation forward for your viewers.
My favourite genre, great list, only one I don't own is "Leave her to heaven", which I don't think has had a UK blu ray release yet. The Lady Killers also by Alexander Mackendrick(Sweat smell of success), I would cheekily include as an usual entry, being colour,and a comedy, but very Noir in tone. Not forgetting The Third Man, 10 isn't enough!
I'm always on the lookout for someone's top film noir list. I've only seen three on your list and looking forward to viewing the others. Thanks, well done! 👍
I love the film noir genre. Some classics on this list and some great commentary. There are several I haven't yet seen. My favorites have a private detective who drinks and smokes cigarettes, a beautiful femme fatale with a strange story, almost everyone is lying about something, and of course a murder. I find I'm appreciating the lighting effects with high contrast and shadows along with unusual camera angles.
Pickup on South Street, The Maltese Falcon, Thieves Highway, Night and the City, The Set-Up, The Breaking Point and Laura are my favorites left off of this list. Film Noir is the genre that got me interested in Classical Hollywood Cinema. I can watch them over and over. They never get old.
My top 10, in no particular order: Crime Wave Scarlet Street Criss Cross Double Indemnity Force of Evil Detour Out of the Past Night and the City Nightmare Alley The Big Combo Top 10 underrated and/or not quite film noir: Decoy (wild plot) The Hitch-Hiker The Prowler Armored Car Robbery Farewell, My Lovely (Mitchum) DOA Stranger on the Third Floor Angel Face Born to Kill Raw Deal (the Raymond Burr courvoisier scene is worth the price alone)
Agree with all of these (that's I've watched, anyway). As cliché as they might be, I'd supply The Third Man and In a Lonely Place (if it fits the genre).
Great list, so many great candidates. Had seen FN on TV late movies, but, when I saw SUNSET BOULEVARD on a theater screen in 1972 I was Blown Away. Still am every time I watch it at home.
Great video. Alphabetical Order... Touch of Evil is my top pick but here's my list. Detour - Ulmer (USA) Grisbi - Becker (France) In a Lonely Place - Ray (USA) Killing - Kubrick (USA) Kiss Me Deadly - Aldrich (USA) Lady from Shanghai - Welles (USA) Night and the City - Dassin (UK/USA) Night of the Hunter - Laughton (USA) Pickup on South Street - Fuller (USA) Rififi - Dassin (France) Sweet Smell of Success - MacKendrick (USA) Touch of Evil - Welles (USA) Two Men in Manhattan - Melville (France) White Heat - Walsh (USA)
Along with the western my favorite genre. Haven't seen Detour yet, is it region B? My top 10 Film Noir in random order: SUNSET BOULEVARD IN A LONELY PLACE THE THIRD MAN NIGHT OF THE HUNTER ACE IN THE HOLE OUT OF THE PAST DOUBLE INDEMNITY THE BIG SLEEP TOUCH OF EVIL SWEET SMELL OF SUCCES H.M. REBECCA In my opinion M is the grandaddy of the genre, but because it was before "the era" it isn't recognized. Which is bogus really.
He gets partial credit for having another Fritz Lang movie on his list. To be fair, I think most critics would list “M” under German Expressionism, a precursor to Film Noir to be sure. And BTW, one of my favorite films, too! As is Charles Laughton’s “Night of the Hunter” (speaking of profound German Expressionist influence). And you chose “Touch of Evil” over “Lady From Shanghai,” which I would have as well. Good lists.
Good list. I’m always debating where the line is that separates “film noir” from other dark films. It’s tricky. I say it has something to do with being “too good”- or “A” film vs “B film”. E.g. “Kiss Me Deadly” is IMHO a paradigm of what noir is: seedy, sadistic, sleazy, urban. “Sunset Boulevard” crosses the line into “great picture”. “Sweet Smell of Success” same thing. The film noir style was grabbed by Hollywood “A” pictures because of the success of some “B” pictures and probably became mandatory stylistically for a while. So to go on, I’d probably prune your list some more for these same reasons: “Night of the Hunter” is more a horror film, than noir. “The Third Man” more spy movie. I’m glad you chose “The Big Sleep” over “Maltese Falcon”. “Touch of Evil”, yes. I’ll have to revisit the others. Thanks.
@@laurencegoldman4639 I think that's a pretty fair assessment. Personaly I feel film-noir is always a secondary genre and it's mainly vibe and style. It's not a thing on its own, like there is not one movie that is just a film-noir. It's always drama/crime/thriller/horror/mystery (etc) first and gets a film-noir stamp next. If you think about it, a movie like Psycho is never called among film-noir lists, because it's a known horror. But it has everything a noir should have. One thing is for sure, noir keeps the discussions alive.
@@cfbilly70 I just saw “Woman on the Run” on YT: Check out the last amusement park sequence. It’s a stylistic gem in its own right. Almost a mini movie. I’ve never seen anything quite like it. Almost abstract art.
@@ElliotCoen Not as far as I know I have it in the Film Noir Classics collection Vol 2. Which also included Narrow Margain, Dillinger, Crossfire and Clash by Night. Born to Kill was meant to make Tierney a star but he unfortunately got in his own way. He was made for the role and if you get a chance to see it, it's brilliant noir
Nice List...Other favorites to consider; Touch of Evil, The Third Man, Chinatown, He Walked By Night, They Live By Night, Nightmare Alley, New York Confidential, Force of Evil, The Killing, Murder My Sweet, The Glass Key, Elevator to the Gallows, The Big Combo, Maltese Falcon, Rififi, Notorious, Nightfall...more contemporary; L.A. Confidential, Body Heat...
What a great exploration of this classic genre! I will have to explore it myself, this is a genre I love the look and atmosphere of, but shied away from it because of the complicated storylines. Have you seen the movie Budapest Noir?
I 100% agree. It has everything. All the Noir elements. People generically lump almost any black and white 40s/50s crime movie into the noir genre. There are certain elements that have to be in place to be properly noir. And I'm not even sure it has to be a black and white movie, Noir is an aestheic, so le Samourai could be called a noir movie, despite excellent use of colour. But Out of the Past is definitive. Mitchum. Definitive anti hero. Greer. Definitive double crossing femme fatale. Etc. There is not one single discordant note in the movie. And just on a personal level, if you ever find a girlfriend like Ann, marry her ASAP! Beautiful and understanding.
@@ElliotCoen yes you should definitely do a neo-noir vid! And I agree Chinatown is certainly a fantastic film. Although it's never spoken of as highly I must get around to watching it's "sequal" The Two Jakes. I have yet to see it. If you do another vid a strong neo-noir favourite of mine (hint hint!)is coming out on the ViaVision Imprint label in the December batch: Year of the Dragon, the Michael Cimino directed/Mickey Rourke starring underrated masterpiece (in my humble opinion anyway). Can't wait to pick that one up for the collection. It's a stunning looking film and should look great in HD!
Gratitude for your praise of The Big Sleep -- some of the most enjoyable dialogue in all of filmmaking (and I learned by listening to an audiobook of the novel that most of it was Chandler's -- the novel makes great listening, Chandler is *hugely* underrated as a literary figure, there's a great version read by Elliot Gould).
Good video. My alternative film noir top 10: 10. Detective Story 9. Criss Cross 8. The Mob (1951) 7. Desperate (anthony mann) 6. Moonrise 5. House of Strangers 4. I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang 3. Scarface (1932) 2. Raw Deal (Anthony mann) 1. *the bigamist*
Great video! I've seen some of these, but not most. But I've now added a few of your recommendations to my list to check out. Recently I saw Woman on the Run, which I quite liked. PS: Your voice is so soothing, you should do ASMR videos! (Northern English, I'm guessing. Perhaps greater Manchester?)
I'm probably alone in this but I actually like the Kiss of Death remake more than the original. The saintly DA and the cartoonish Widmark character didn't strike me as elements of good noir. Nicholas Cage in the remake is menacing and plausible and the plot is stronger.
Great list, the scramble for the great whatsit, I have the worlds least organised collection, you've inspired me to locate the noirs and organise them together for a viewing noirathon.
I'm doing Noirvember for the first time this month. Double Indemnity is arguably the greatest film noir which I'll be revisiting. I also have The Big Heat in my collection which needs a watch. I had to order The Big Sleep from cex and The Lady From Shanghai in the indicator sale a couple of days ago so I can't wait to watch that one. Very surprised you didn't include Touch of Evil, The Killers or The Maltese Falcon in your list.
Just getting into film noir and decided to pick up Notorious from Hitchcock, so was surprised it didn't make your list. Also was surprised not to see Sunset Blvd since that was going to be my next pick up for the genre. Still a great video and always learn a thing or 2!
The Big Sleep, The Night of the Hunter, The Third Man, In a Lonely Place, Kiss Me Deadly, Sunset Boulevard, The Maltese Falcon, Double Indemnity, Out of the Past, Touch of Evil....
One of my favorites that seems to be overlooked is Hitchcock’s “Shadow of a Doubt”. I love how on the surface it’s old fashioned and light hearted but underneath it’s a really dark film
I love Shadow of a doubt and I'm not even a real fan of Hitchcock films. There's that deceptively rosy surface with the ugly truth hiding beneath it, as you said, and the B&W cinematography is excellent.
@Randy White Read my post. The phrase I used was "not a real fan." I didn't say "dislike" and I didn't imply dislike. I just like film noir better, and that makes Shadow of a Doubt my favorite Hitchcock movie because it's excellent film noir.
@Randy White I don't know where you're getting that from. I like Hitchcock just fine without being a rabid worshipper of all things Hitchcock, ok? He's a movie director not a god. Directors have their pluses and minuses. Shadow of a Doubt displays all of his pluses.
Hi Elliot, thanks for the video :) I was looking to increase my knowlege on that specific genre and watched 5 of your recommandations, and that was really great !
You've got some good choices but Lady From Shanghai's final cut was taken away from Welles so I can't put it in the pantheon. If you are going to include a color film, Vertigo must be included And the most glaring omission IMO of course is Touch Of Evil.
Fantastic list. I would swap out "The Asphalt Jungle," "The Third Man," or "Touch of Evil" for "Sweet Smell of Success," but this is an excellent list of noirs for people wanting many of the finest examples.
Hi, Elliot. Sorry I'm a couple years late with this comment, but I just came across your video. I think you would really enjoy a lesser known noir titled "Nightfall" from 1957. It starred Aldo Ray and Brian Keith and was directed by Jacques Tourneur! It's available for viewing on RUclips. And by the way, my favorite noir is "The Third Man."
I have to say Double Indemnity is the most purist film Noirs of all time.. always in the top ten of Noir lists.. it has every thing in it, the Fem Fatale, a man who is in, over his head, a script written by Raymond Chandler, from a James M Cain book... it has all the tropes, motifs, and style of Noir.. I have to say, it is number one of all time...
I agree with all those noir selections except for Kiss Me Deadly. I have seen these so many times. A couple to add to the list are The Postman Always Rings Twice and The Asphalt Jungle.
Brilliant choices, some I’ve not heard of. I would include in any list of Noir both The Third Man and Murder, My Sweet. The latter is based of Chandler’s novel Farewell, My Lovely and has Dick Powell as Philip Marlowe.
Good list, and a few films in there that I’m gonna check out. With a list of 10 there are going to be omissions. The Third Man and Chinatown are two that I’d add
Thanks so much for the list.... found you via Films At Home.... Any chance you can put links in the description for the videos down the line? Please keep up the great work, really nice.
I agree with 2 choices: Out of the Past and Double Indemnity. No top Film Noir list is complete without The Maltese Falcon, the greatest Film Noir of them all. Two other noticeable omissions: The Postman Always Rings Twice and The Third Man. Touch of Evil is another one.
I enjoyed your list and, despite having taught film for many years, never heard of "Gun Crazy." Looks like noir fun. Missing for me are two highly regarded Orson Welles films: The Third Man and Touch of Evil. They have "A" film acting, directing, and production values missing in many low budget noirs.
You left out Laura. Great list but I was intrigued that you didn’t use Laura. Also, no mention of the music in these movies. As they matured it was the music which defined them IMHO.
Hey, thanks for watching! Check out my Criterion for Beginners video here - ruclips.net/video/g9gf6B81BVI/видео.html
how can i find a film noir that i have watched before, that has a phone booth with people calling a juke box operator, requesting a song? it is not Swing Hostess but that has the same set up in it.......thanks.
Double Indemnity is one of my favorite films! The second year I was with my girlfriend (this would have been 2013 or so) her grandmother was dying of cancer, and I got to hang out with her a lot and get to know her. This was before I got really into movies, and she was watching TV and we watched Double Indemnity together. I had no idea anyone thought of it as a classic at the time. I just thought of it as a movie that my girlfriend’s grandmother was really excited to watch. We watched it together and had absolutely the best time. It blew me away. It still blows me away today. It’s one of my favorite memories of her, and in general. Just wanted to leave this story here for you. Great RUclips channel.
Wonderful story. You deserve more likes!
Sweet story!
Like movies? Like film noir? Check out some of the best here: ruclips.net/video/rFp6sKkexhQ/видео.html
Sunset Boulevard is the movie that got me into classic film, and it will always be my favorite film noir.
Lucky you (and me) as it has a great blu-ray release by Paramount at a fraction of Criterion prices and a great range of extras.
Masterpiece
Ever notice how much American Beauty (1999) is similar to Sunset Boulevard? The scene where Annette Bening's character gets busted at the drive thru came from that. Portrait of Jennie (1948) also influenced American Beauty.
Joan Crawford had a few great ones.. Possessed, Sudden Feàr, Humoresque, Mildred Pierce, The Damned Don't Cry
I thought the astrology references in this film were very interesting.
As a film noir lover it's so difficult to pick up just 10 titles. I would say more:
-City Streets
-Scarface (1932)
-The Man who Knew too Much
-G Men
-The Glass Key
-Shadow of a Doubt
-Murder, my Sweet
-The Woman in the Window
-Double Indemnity
-Detour
-The Chase
-The Killers
-Nightmare Alley
-The Lady from Shanghai
-Dark Passage
-Naked City
-Pitfall
-CrissCross
-White Heat
-The Crooked Way
-Dead or Alive
-Stray Dog
-The Third Man
-Where the Sidewalk Ends
-Mystery Street
-Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye
-Woman on the Run
-The Asphalt Jungle
-Strangers on a Train
-Man Bait
-Kansas City Confidential
-The Big Heat
-The Good Die Young
-Crime Wave
-Dial "M" for Murder
-Suddenly
-Hands Off the Loot
-The Big Combo
-Los Peces Rojos
-Rififi
-Accused of Murder
-The Killing
-The Price of Fear
-The Long Haul
-The Line-up
-Rusty Knife
-Touch of Evil
-A Sangre Fría
-Odds Against Tomorrow
-The Sleeping Beast Within
-The Last Gunfight
-Blast of Silence
-Experiment in Terror
-A Tiro Limpio
-High and Low
-Youth of the Beast
-Black Express
-Cruel Gun Story
-Escape from Japan
-El Salario del Crimen
-Cash Calls Hell
-Le deuxième souffle
-Point Blank
-A Colt Is My Passport
-Le Samourai
-Massacre Gun
I think I can stop already
Just watched “the woman in the window “ with Edward g Robinson awesome movie!
Say sleuth thanks buddy
That’s a lot of film noirs! And still no mention of this gun for hire!?
Well could be worse! You could have mentioned the blue dahlia.
Also, Tokyo Drifter, Branded to Kill and Elevator to the Gallows. I'm sure there are many, many others but your list brings those three to mind.
IMO the first 4 are not noirs, but to each his own. Film noir is generally considered to have begun in 1940, Of course films like Lang's You Only Live Once from 1937 have noir characteristics..
Great list, here are 10 just as good or better ;)
1 - Force of Evil - Abraham Polonsky 1948
2 - Touch of Evil - Orson Wells 1958
3 - Raw Deal - Anthony Mann 1948
4 - The Asphalt Jungle - John Huston 1950
5 - The Killers - Robert Siodmak 1946
6 - The Hitch-Hiker - Ida Lupino 1953
7 - The Killing - Stanley Kubrick 1956
8 - Criss Cross - Robert Siodmak 1949
9 - The Set-up - Robert Wise 1949
10 - Laura - Otto Preminger 1944
Love your channel, but I really miss your dad's journey into world cinema.
Keep up the good work!
Totally agree with all your choices, but leaving The Maltese Falcon out.... for me that's the king of noir.
And a great noir of the very early 80s is Body Heat, which is a kind of homage to Double indemnity. If you haven't seen it you would probably like it, I'd guess. Incredible score from John Barry, too.
Excellent comment, so true!
Great choices. My additions are The Killers, The Third Man, Touch of Evil, In A Lonely Place, The Night of the Hunter, Force of Evil and Rififi.
I just watched In a Lonely Place with Bogart. Starts with a noir set up but drifts more towards a relationship drama in a really interesting a raw way. It's got a great Criterion release.
“In A Lonely Place” takes combat trauma seriously. Bogart’s wartime experience shapes his character, and uncertainty and ignorance motivates the antagonist pursuit, as if he were pursuing Jean Valjean.
Thank you for including Sweet Smell of Success, a movie I still think is so underrated. Incredible acting and the dialogue is among the best in film history.
My favorite film genre after I was introduced to it by my dad when I was 10 yrs old! 55 yrs later, they continue to fascinate me and continue to be my favorite type of movies. I never tire of watching them. Please don't forget "Murder my Sweet" with Dick Powell which is also another quintessential film noir classic! Thanks for your listing. I've watched them all...
My top ten:
10) Night & The City
9) Where The Sidewalk Ends
8) Leave Her To Heaven
7) Key Largo
6) The Killing
5) Mildred Pierce
4) Shadow Of A Doubt
3) The Big Heat
2) The Asphalt Jungle
1) Double Indemnity
I could easily list 20 more though that I love like This Gun For Hire, Dark Passage, Angel Face, In A Lonely Place, White Heat, Gun Crazy, Scarlet Street, Out Of The Past, The Postman Always Rings Twice, They Live By Night etc., it's just a genre rich with gems.
I love your list, Carl. Brilliant choices.
@@ElliotCoen Cheers, man. I love a good noir.
When they were making the film of The Big Sleep, no one could figure out how the chauffeur ended up dead in the car that went into the water.
Howard Hawks finally called Raymond Chandler, who wrote the book, to ask him.
Chandler replied “I never figured that out either!”
I've heard that story before, too. I always assumed it was Joe Brody. I mean he sapped him down, supposedly left him way out near Beverly. Joe did it. He's made for the rap.
Great list as always. My favourites
Classic Film Noir: The Third Man (probably my favorite, although not even American...); The Big Sleep; ; Dead Reckoning; Dark Passage; Double Indemnity; In a Lonely Place; Key Largo; Leave Her to Heaven; The Maltese Falcon; Nightmare Alley; The Night of the Hunter; Out of the Past; The Strange Love of Martha Ivers; The Killing
Neo Noire: Chinatown; Blade Runner; Body Heat; Naked Lunch; Brick;
Non-American Film Noir: M, Elevator to the Gallows; Bob Le Flambeur; Touchez Pas Au Grisbi; Long Day's Journey Into Night
So many others...
Grisbi is so good!!
Fritz Lang's M is the prototypical film noir, and police procedural, and one that really makes you understand, if not sympathise, with the culprit.
Jules Dassin’s Night and the City is one of my personal favourites, In fact I believe he has the strongest run of decent noir pictures and often get left out of the conversation. Great video, would love to see you do a top underrated noir list.
Yes, I do love Night and the City! Thanks very much for watching :)
His RIFIFI is pretty great, too.
My number one noir will always be Kubrick's The Killing, such an amazing heist film. Love both the Criterion and Arrow editions of it as well. Can't say I enjoy the also included Killer's Kiss noir by Kubrick as much though 😂
Great films both... I only have DVD copies though; maybe time for an upgrade.
Killer's Kiss isn't great overall but it does have a pretty spectacular climax.
Film Noir probably being my favourite movie genre, I'm always happy to such a video ^^
Thank you so much, Arthur :)
very funny,try john wayne or................soupy sales lol
Excellent list! No list would be complete, however, without "The Maltese Falcon," "Laura,""The Third Man," and "Gilda," "The Postman Always Rings Twice," and countless lesser known entries in the genre. And for neo-noir, I strongly recommend "Body Heat"...
Laura is underrated.
Love Body Heat!!
@@dannymoulton4829I think it's the best film noir out there....Dana Andrews is also underrated....
Other good ones off the top of my head: Key Largo, The Third Man, The Asphalt Jungle, Elevator to the Gallows, Gilda...The Big Heat is a big favorite of mine too
Good choices Brian. I like all of the ones that you named.
I hope asphalt jungle will get a nice bluray release someday, havent seen it yet and the only release I can find is region A.
My problem with “The Big Heat” can be summed up in 2 words: Glenn Ford. To be even clearer, here are 3 more: I HATE HIM!
@@cfbilly70 Sterling Hayden, complete with his “precious bodily fluids,” Jean Hagen proving she was nothing like her “Singing in the Rain” character 10 years later, and even a young Marilyn Monroe in a bit part. I’m fortunate, as I am in Region 1.
@@DeeEllEff That is far-out. I never heard of anyone who disliked Glenn Ford. I recently saw him in “The Violent Men” and “Human Desire” and I enjoyed him in both movies.
I got into film noir at a young age ,( was allowed to watch any film I wanted from the age of 4 (1963) I was sick a lot so I just about saw everything, like all the films you have mentioned,
Here is a few of my favourites.
Miami Blues, (Alex Baldwin)
The bridge ( rod stiger)
Fires on the Plain ( japanese)
Wages of fear, (French )
White heat
Forbidden Games ( I love Clouzot)
Ace in the hole/ The big Carnival
Sunshine ? ( it's almost wages of fear in Space, )
Your picks are excellent, Elliot. I would add The Third Man, Sunset Boulevard, Touch of Evil, The Killing, and all of the three other Bogie and Bacall film noir movies beginning with To Have And Have Not and ending with Key Largo. Some years ago in Sacramento, California I saw a double feature of Double Indemnity and Sunset Boulevard in a 1950's era movie theater. Film noir author Eddie Muller introduced the films and talked about them and film noir in general. He also answered questions from the audience. It was a very memorable movie going experience! 👍👍👍
Just picked up Leave Her to Heaven in the Criterion sale!
I'd highly recommend Experiment In Terror (released by Indicator), I just watched it recently and might be my favourite film I've seen so far this year. It falls right near the end of the film noir movement, so it feels a little closer to a straight forward crime thriller that we'd expect today but my God was it good. Clearly a huge influence on David Lynch and David Fincher - it feels like if Zodiac was made in the early 1960s. And quite possibly the most stunning black and white photography I have ever seen in a film. Hiiighly recommend.
Oh man, you’re killing me. I added almost all of these titles to my list of films I need to check out (and possibly purchase).
Love your content! Thanks for all the incredible recommendation videos.
Film noir is one of my favorite genres. Lots of great films here. I think my all time favorite noir is Night and the City by Jules Dassin.
Love Dassin and Night and the City! While not making my top 10, would certainly be in a top 20!
Great review ! Out of the past , The lady from Shanghai, Leave her to Heaven, Double Indemnity, Gun Crazy, Kiss me deadly, The Big Sleep are also on my list. I would have added Laura, Criss cross
As I believe I heard the great Robert Mitchum say, back then they just called them "B" movies.
I love that. And funnily enough, these B movies probably have a longer lasting legacy than most A movies of the time!
@@ElliotCoen
Similar with Italian genre films, which many have to proven to have more longevity than some contemporary art films.
Impact , Cause For Alarm, Nightfall, The House on Telegraph Hill, and Body and Soul are some of my favorite but there are many great film noir films.
Absolutely adore film noir.
Detour and Lady From Shanghai are both great but The Postman Always Rings Twice and Touch of Evil are big omissions IMO.
My favorite noir will always be The Third Man.
Agree. Great movie and the zither music going through it (like a leitmotif) is phenomenal!
So many great Film Noirs out there on Blu Ray. Here's my top 5.
1. "Laura" (1944 - a great musical score by David Raskin).
2. "The Big Sleep" (1946 - William Faulker credited on the screenplay !)
3. "In A lonely Place" (1950 - Gloria Grahame my favourite femme fatale).
4. "Detour" (1945 - Tom Neal the classic doomed man and Ann Savage the most vicious Femme fatale.
5. "Force Of Evil" (1948 a socially leaning noir).
Laura is one of my faves and Gloria Grahame in Lonely Place is something else.
Gloria Grahame was the best!
Don't know any aficionado could not have "Laura" in thier top 10.
You should do a follow up on Neo-noir films like Chinatown, Drive, L.A. Confidential, Blade Runner and Body Heat. Hmm.. does Seven fit in here as well? It could.
These are call much later homages. Very valid but not true Noir. Body Heat is Double Indemnity for example.
@@Bignewshound60 He said Neo-noir which is where they belong.
@@stevemcnary7963 Yup, you are right. That said… ‘seven’. Not even close.
@@Bignewshound60 seven is just horrible
@@bbuggediffy agree. A nasty movie with no merit whatsoever
Elliot!! Nice to see you again! Watching your new video right now! Film noir is indeed fantastic and the Criterion Collection has great selections! Always nice to see your new videos man!
Hey Mac, thanks so much for watching :)
Great job on this video. Very professional and spoken like someone that enjoys their work. Great job indeed.
I’m just getting into film noir myself. I’ve watched a few that you recommended but the others will make great additions to my watchlist
Great list! I have seen 90% of these films and studied Noir a bit at university so I didn't gain much new info but it was great to see so many favourites on your list. Double Indemnity is a top 5 film but Gun Crazy is a personal favourite. Thanks!.
Thanks for this video man! Just when I thought I’ve seen all the crime/corruption films, you bring me all these gems 👌🏽
My absolute pleasure! I'm glad you could find some new films here :)
Great list and great video ad always Elliot! I’m a massive Film Noir fan so I thought that I’d have seen everything on this list but there were a couple which I’m yet to see so thanks for the recommendations. If you haven’t already I’d recommend checking out Welles’ Touch of Evil which is one of my favorite noirs.
Can't go wrong with those picks. Michael Curtiz's The Breaking Point and Frank Borzage's Moonrise are two noirs I want to see more love for!
Hey James! Those are two I've never actually seen. Both are on Criterion, right? I should pick those up soon.
Seconded - great entry from Elliot and two great recs to go on top.
Good weekends.
Both underrated, for sure.
1. In A Lonely Place
2. Out Of The Past
3. The Third Man
4. Sweet Smell Of Sucess
5. Touch Of Evil
6. Sunset Boulevard
7. Double Indemnity
8. The Big Sleep
9. Night And The City
10. Kiss Me Deadly
Brilliant list, love that you mix the big budgets like double indemnity and big sleep with detour and gun crazy, I also like the Otto Preminger collection that was released on blu ray a few years ago. I personally would have put double indemnity top because my only criticism of big sleep and the Maltese Falcon (which is arguably the first ever film noir) is that Humphrey Bogart comes across as invincible
Very nice list, and helpful explanations for the uninitiated. I also like the UK noir Brighton Rock, Kiss Of Death, Notorious, Odds Against Tomorrow, The Woman in the Window, The Spiral Staircase, Ride the Pink Horse, Narrow Margin and The Wrong Man.. Once you really start digging into these, the list is endless -- and that's just for the classic period of the 40s and 50s.
Yet again another really interesting well thought-out video. Great work Elliot
I'm glad you showed the still of the book shop scene from The Big Sleep as this is a scene I always think of... The Clark Kent moment where she takes off her glasses is brilliant!
This was refreshing! Noir lists are usually just about the same overworked grouping of titles but this was way more thoughtful. Good job!
Thanks so much, Don!
Nice video Elliot, though I'm surprised you don't have The Maltese Falcon?. Another historically unsung film noir would be Kansas City Confidential. Even features a small thug role from yet to be genre star Lee Van Cleef. It was considered pretty gritty, nihilistic, and dark for the fifties during the Hayes Code. You can see the influence it had on QT's Reservoir Dogs
Thanks so much, Chandan! The Maltese Falcon would be just outside my top 10, definitely in the top 20. I'll have to check out Kansas City Confidential. Thanks for the recommendation!
Nice list but 10 is very limited. I miss Laura, The Asphalt Jungle, Midred Pierce, The Postman always rings twice, Force of Evil, The Killers... and another fantastic film noir which is going to be released on Blu-ray soon: Nightmare Alley.
i really like murder, my sweet love the big sleep but murder ,my sweet is really fun dick did alright as Phillip Marlowe
My favorite is the Maltese Falcon.
I love it too, Jim. Whilst not making my top 10, it would certainly be in the top 20. Thanks for watching!
@@ElliotCoen I like your list as is. The Maltese Falcon doesn't need yet another endorsement, it's an obligatory presence on list after list. Thank you for thinking independently!
I thought for sure that his intro to “The Big Sleep” was actually going to be for “The Maltese Falcon.” Perhaps the really hard-core noir fan prefers the plot to be completely inscrutable rather than merely a bit hard to follow.
@@DeeEllEff Agreed The Big Sleep is inscrutable. The screenplay is close to the book at first, up to the point where the studio decided to make it a romantic story, presumably because of the Bogart-Bacall chemistry. There's distinctly a seam where the first screenplay was abandoned, and the last part of the movie doesn't always make sense with reference to the first part.
Edit: But I personally enjoyed every minute of it regardless.
My father was married to Bette Davis . His name was William Grant Sherry. He was married to her from 1945 to 1950. My name is John Grant Sherry. I know so many inside stories about the both of them. I have kept quiet until now.
Hi John. You can send me an email at elliotcoenfilms@gmail.com if you want to talk more
interesting choices . I would also recommend :
The Maltese Falcon ( my favourite noir )
The Big Combo
Where Danger Lives
Human Desire
Nightfall
Touch of Evil
The Last Seduction ( modern day classic noir )
LA Confidential. ( also modern day classic )
Point Blank
The Killers
His Kind of Woman
The Lineup
And any number of Hitchcock , and Bogart movies.
@Randy White I like both of them , but I would give the edge to Siodmak's version , because of Ava Gardner .
Hey Elliot! I've been wanting to watch more film noir movies because I have limited experience with them but I've immensely enjoyed the ones I've seen. Sweet Smell of Success was the last one I watched and thought it was excellent, and I thought the same of Double Indemnity which I saw not long before that. I'll be sure to check out the other films that you mentioned that I'm still yet to see! Fantastic video mate 👍
Hey, thanks so much for watching mate! If you like those two, I'm sure you'll love some of the others on this list :)
Nice list, again, Elliot. A lot of good recommendations here, and in the comments section (some of which I will need to purchase) which I will be venturing into this month. There doesn't seem to be much mention of 'The Blue Dahlia', which has a great Arrow Academy release, so I would like to put that recommendation forward for your viewers.
The Arrow Blue Dahlia is a great release and it's a fantastic noir film.... Good addition!
My favourite genre, great list, only one I don't own is "Leave her to heaven", which I don't think has had a UK blu ray release yet. The Lady Killers also by Alexander Mackendrick(Sweat smell of success), I would cheekily include as an usual entry, being colour,and a comedy, but very Noir in tone. Not forgetting The Third Man, 10 isn't enough!
The Postman Aways Rings Twice and The Maltese Falcon I would add to this list.
Excellent additions, my friend!
Which version of Postman did you mean?
@@dontaylor7315 The Garfield and Turner version of course!
@@mrdeeds72 The 1981 film is closer to the novel.
@@dontaylor7315 I might have to check it out sometime then. That's Lange and Nicholson, right?
I'm always on the lookout for someone's top film noir list. I've only seen three on your list and looking forward to viewing the others. Thanks, well done! 👍
Wow great list Elliot! My favourite noirs are: Kubricks The Killing, The Maltese Falcon and In A Lonely Place
Thanks :) Those are brilliant movies too!
Great picks, Elliot! Speaking of Bogie and Bacall, I hope you have also seen the great Key Largo!
Excellent list-I was happy to see Sweet Smell of Success on it. That brilliant film is often overlooked for some reason.
I love the film noir genre. Some classics on this list and some great commentary. There are several I haven't yet seen. My favorites have a private detective who drinks and smokes cigarettes, a beautiful femme fatale with a strange story, almost everyone is lying about something, and of course a murder. I find I'm appreciating the lighting effects with high contrast and shadows along with unusual camera angles.
Pickup on South Street, The Maltese Falcon, Thieves Highway, Night and the City, The Set-Up, The Breaking Point and Laura are my favorites left off of this list.
Film Noir is the genre that got me interested in Classical Hollywood Cinema. I can watch them over and over. They never get old.
My top 10, in no particular order:
Crime Wave
Scarlet Street
Criss Cross
Double Indemnity
Force of Evil
Detour
Out of the Past
Night and the City
Nightmare Alley
The Big Combo
Top 10 underrated and/or not quite film noir:
Decoy (wild plot)
The Hitch-Hiker
The Prowler
Armored Car Robbery
Farewell, My Lovely (Mitchum)
DOA
Stranger on the Third Floor
Angel Face
Born to Kill
Raw Deal (the Raymond Burr courvoisier scene is worth the price alone)
Brilliant choices, Mike!
Agree with all of these (that's I've watched, anyway). As cliché as they might be, I'd supply The Third Man and In a Lonely Place (if it fits the genre).
As a big film fan, film noir is one genre I need to investigate more and I've recorded all your recommendations and will acquire them...thanks so much
Nice video. I love film noir movies. The Third Man and Touch of Evil missing though. Those two and Double Indemnity could be my top 3.
Thanks, Roky! Those are all great films too!
Great list, so many great candidates.
Had seen FN on TV late movies, but, when I saw SUNSET BOULEVARD on a theater screen in 1972 I was Blown Away. Still am every time I watch it at home.
"No Man of her Own " Barbara Stanwyk. Try that one on for size
Great video.
Alphabetical Order...
Touch of Evil is my top pick but here's my list.
Detour - Ulmer (USA)
Grisbi - Becker (France)
In a Lonely Place - Ray (USA)
Killing - Kubrick (USA)
Kiss Me Deadly - Aldrich (USA)
Lady from Shanghai - Welles (USA)
Night and the City - Dassin (UK/USA)
Night of the Hunter - Laughton (USA)
Pickup on South Street - Fuller (USA)
Rififi - Dassin (France)
Sweet Smell of Success - MacKendrick (USA)
Touch of Evil - Welles (USA)
Two Men in Manhattan - Melville (France)
White Heat - Walsh (USA)
Along with the western my favorite genre. Haven't seen Detour yet, is it region B?
My top 10 Film Noir in random order:
SUNSET BOULEVARD
IN A LONELY PLACE
THE THIRD MAN
NIGHT OF THE HUNTER
ACE IN THE HOLE
OUT OF THE PAST
DOUBLE INDEMNITY
THE BIG SLEEP
TOUCH OF EVIL
SWEET SMELL OF SUCCES
H.M. REBECCA
In my opinion M is the grandaddy of the genre, but because it was before "the era" it isn't recognized. Which is bogus really.
He gets partial credit for having another Fritz Lang movie on his list. To be fair, I think most critics would list “M” under German Expressionism, a precursor to Film Noir to be sure. And BTW, one of my favorite films, too! As is Charles Laughton’s “Night of the Hunter” (speaking of profound German Expressionist influence). And you chose “Touch of Evil” over “Lady From Shanghai,” which I would have as well. Good lists.
Good list. I’m always debating where the line is that separates “film noir” from other dark films. It’s tricky. I say it has something to do with being “too good”- or “A” film vs “B film”. E.g. “Kiss Me Deadly” is IMHO a paradigm of what noir is: seedy, sadistic, sleazy, urban. “Sunset Boulevard” crosses the line into “great picture”. “Sweet Smell of Success” same thing. The film noir style was grabbed by Hollywood “A” pictures because of the success of some “B” pictures and probably became mandatory stylistically for a while. So to go on, I’d probably prune your list some more for these same reasons: “Night of the Hunter” is more a horror film, than noir. “The Third Man” more spy movie. I’m glad you chose “The Big Sleep” over “Maltese Falcon”. “Touch of Evil”, yes. I’ll have to revisit the others. Thanks.
@@laurencegoldman4639 I think that's a pretty fair assessment. Personaly I feel film-noir is always a secondary genre and it's mainly vibe and style. It's not a thing on its own, like there is not one movie that is just a film-noir. It's always drama/crime/thriller/horror/mystery (etc) first and gets a film-noir stamp next. If you think about it, a movie like Psycho is never called among film-noir lists, because it's a known horror. But it has everything a noir should have. One thing is for sure, noir keeps the discussions alive.
@@cfbilly70 I just saw “Woman on the Run” on YT: Check out the last amusement park sequence. It’s a stylistic gem in its own right. Almost a mini movie. I’ve never seen anything quite like it. Almost abstract art.
Out of the Past, Double Indemnity, Sunset Boulevard
We just picked up Leave Her to Heaven from the library based on this recommendation, and it was great. Never would've heard of it otherwise.
I'm so glad! That's wonderful. Thanks for watching my video!
I've always been a huge fan of Born To Kill with Tierney and Trevor. It's one I constantly rewatch
Hey Aaron. That's one I've never actually seen. At a quick glance, it doesn't look like it's available on blu-ray, right?
@@ElliotCoen Not as far as I know I have it in the Film Noir Classics collection Vol 2. Which also included Narrow Margain, Dillinger, Crossfire and Clash by Night. Born to Kill was meant to make Tierney a star but he unfortunately got in his own way. He was made for the role and if you get a chance to see it, it's brilliant noir
@@CultofCinema Not one likable character in the movie. Everyone's a rat.
Nice List...Other favorites to consider; Touch of Evil, The Third Man, Chinatown, He Walked By Night, They Live By Night, Nightmare Alley, New York Confidential, Force of Evil, The Killing, Murder My Sweet, The Glass Key, Elevator to the Gallows, The Big Combo, Maltese Falcon, Rififi, Notorious, Nightfall...more contemporary; L.A. Confidential, Body Heat...
What a great exploration of this classic genre!
I will have to explore it myself, this is a genre I love the look and atmosphere of, but shied away from it because of the complicated storylines.
Have you seen the movie Budapest Noir?
Out of the past is considered the ultimate.
I 100% agree. It has everything. All the Noir elements. People generically lump almost any black and white 40s/50s crime movie into the noir genre. There are certain elements that have to be in place to be properly noir. And I'm not even sure it has to be a black and white movie, Noir is an aestheic, so le Samourai could be called a noir movie, despite excellent use of colour.
But Out of the Past is definitive.
Mitchum. Definitive anti hero.
Greer. Definitive double crossing femme fatale.
Etc. There is not one single discordant note in the movie. And just on a personal level, if you ever find a girlfriend like Ann, marry her ASAP! Beautiful and understanding.
The Big Sleep is my all-time favorite movie. I own a Raymond Chandler book with all his works. I love it!
Sunset Boulevard. The Maltese Falcon. And -arguably- M
Liked and Subscribed to your channel on this video alone! I’m just getting into Noir films, and this video is a great resource!
Chinatown. Another film shot in colour but a quintessential Noir movie.
Well it's not really.... Not in the traditional sense.... It's a neo-noir.... But yes it's a great film with classic film noir themes and tropes...
I do love Chinatown. It definitely fits in the neo-noir category, which I may do another video on :)
@@ElliotCoen yes you should definitely do a neo-noir vid! And I agree Chinatown is certainly a fantastic film. Although it's never spoken of as highly I must get around to watching it's "sequal" The Two Jakes. I have yet to see it. If you do another vid a strong neo-noir favourite of mine (hint hint!)is coming out on the ViaVision Imprint label in the December batch: Year of the Dragon, the Michael Cimino directed/Mickey Rourke starring underrated masterpiece (in my humble opinion anyway). Can't wait to pick that one up for the collection. It's a stunning looking film and should look great in HD!
Gratitude for your praise of The Big Sleep -- some of the most enjoyable dialogue in all of filmmaking (and I learned by listening to an audiobook of the novel that most of it was Chandler's -- the novel makes great listening, Chandler is *hugely* underrated as a literary figure, there's a great version read by Elliot Gould).
Good video. My alternative film noir top 10:
10. Detective Story
9. Criss Cross
8. The Mob (1951)
7. Desperate (anthony mann)
6. Moonrise
5. House of Strangers
4. I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang
3. Scarface (1932)
2. Raw Deal (Anthony mann)
1. *the bigamist*
Great video! I've seen some of these, but not most. But I've now added a few of your recommendations to my list to check out. Recently I saw Woman on the Run, which I quite liked.
PS: Your voice is so soothing, you should do ASMR videos! (Northern English, I'm guessing. Perhaps greater Manchester?)
You picked a lot of good ones! Also very good are: Laura, The Asphalt Jungle, Kiss of Death, Gilda, and In a Lonely Place.
I'm probably alone in this but I actually like the Kiss of Death remake more than the original. The saintly DA and the cartoonish Widmark character didn't strike me as elements of good noir. Nicholas Cage in the remake is menacing and plausible and the plot is stronger.
Great list, the scramble for the great whatsit, I have the worlds least organised collection, you've inspired me to locate the noirs and organise them together for a viewing noirathon.
Hi David! I'm glad I could be of inspiration!
I'm doing Noirvember for the first time this month. Double Indemnity is arguably the greatest film noir which I'll be revisiting. I also have The Big Heat in my collection which needs a watch.
I had to order The Big Sleep from cex and The Lady From Shanghai in the indicator sale a couple of days ago so I can't wait to watch that one.
Very surprised you didn't include Touch of Evil, The Killers or The Maltese Falcon in your list.
nice recommendations!
this video would have looked great in black and white!
Yeah I missed a trick there!
Just getting into film noir and decided to pick up Notorious from Hitchcock, so was surprised it didn't make your list. Also was surprised not to see Sunset Blvd since that was going to be my next pick up for the genre. Still a great video and always learn a thing or 2!
I like both of those films very much also! You can't go wrong with Sunset Boulevard. Thanks for watching!
The Big Sleep, The Night of the Hunter, The Third Man, In a Lonely Place, Kiss Me Deadly, Sunset Boulevard, The Maltese Falcon, Double Indemnity, Out of the Past, Touch of Evil....
One of my favorites that seems to be overlooked is Hitchcock’s “Shadow of a Doubt”. I love how on the surface it’s old fashioned and light hearted but underneath it’s a really dark film
I love Shadow of a doubt and I'm not even a real fan of Hitchcock films. There's that deceptively rosy surface with the ugly truth hiding beneath it, as you said, and the B&W cinematography is excellent.
@Randy White Read my post. The phrase I used was "not a real fan." I didn't say "dislike" and I didn't imply dislike. I just like film noir better, and that makes Shadow of a Doubt my favorite Hitchcock movie because it's excellent film noir.
@Randy White I don't know where you're getting that from. I like Hitchcock just fine without being a rabid worshipper of all things Hitchcock, ok? He's a movie director not a god. Directors have their pluses and minuses. Shadow of a Doubt displays all of his pluses.
Hi Elliot, thanks for the video :) I was looking to increase my knowlege on that specific genre and watched 5 of your recommandations, and that was really great !
My pleasure Fred! Thanks so much and I hope you're well!
You've got some good choices but Lady From Shanghai's final cut was taken away from Welles so I can't put it in the pantheon. If you are going to include a color film, Vertigo must be included And the most glaring omission IMO of course is Touch Of Evil.
Fantastic list. I would swap out "The Asphalt Jungle," "The Third Man," or "Touch of Evil" for "Sweet Smell of Success," but this is an excellent list of noirs for people wanting many of the finest examples.
Hi, Elliot. Sorry I'm a couple years late with this comment, but I just came across your video. I think you would really enjoy a lesser known noir titled "Nightfall" from 1957. It starred Aldo Ray and Brian Keith and was directed by Jacques Tourneur! It's available for viewing on RUclips. And by the way, my favorite noir is "The Third Man."
I would add Criss Cross,
Asphalt Jungle, The Lineup,
Underworld U.S.A. and
Violent Saturday.
I have to say Double Indemnity is the most purist film Noirs of all time.. always in the top ten of Noir lists.. it has every thing in it, the Fem Fatale, a man who is in, over his head, a script written by Raymond Chandler, from a James M Cain book... it has all the tropes, motifs, and style of Noir.. I have to say, it is number one of all time...
Kiss Me Deadly is my favorite one! Great list🤘🏻
Is it better than the song?
I agree with all those noir selections except for Kiss Me Deadly. I have seen these so many times. A couple to add to the list are The Postman Always Rings Twice and The Asphalt Jungle.
Brilliant choices, some I’ve not heard of. I would include in any list of Noir both The Third Man and Murder, My Sweet. The latter is based of Chandler’s novel Farewell, My Lovely and has Dick Powell as Philip Marlowe.
Good list, and a few films in there that I’m gonna check out. With a list of 10 there are going to be omissions. The Third Man and Chinatown are two that I’d add
Thanks so much for the list.... found you via Films At Home....
Any chance you can put links in the description for the videos down the line?
Please keep up the great work, really nice.
I agree with 2 choices: Out of the Past and Double Indemnity.
No top Film Noir list is complete without The Maltese Falcon, the greatest Film Noir of them all. Two other noticeable omissions: The Postman Always Rings Twice and The Third Man. Touch of Evil is another one.
I enjoyed your list and, despite having taught film for many years, never heard of "Gun Crazy." Looks like noir fun. Missing for me are two highly regarded Orson Welles films: The Third Man and Touch of Evil. They have "A" film acting, directing, and production values missing in many low budget noirs.
You left out Laura. Great list but I was intrigued that you didn’t use Laura. Also, no mention of the music in these movies. As they matured it was the music which defined them IMHO.