Makeup Blogs

Bellour, The Obvious and the Code
This reading was interesting, but at the same time I found myself waiting for it to end. I would have never viewed the car scene in this way, and didn't think it had nearly this much meaning or importance behind it. The part where he discusses how Vivian is viewed longer and in better lighting than Marlowe, who seems to blend in a bit with the background. It's fitting because this is when we begin to learn the truth about Vivian and her part in this entire scheme. Although the camera seems to favor her, Bellour also mentions that Marlowe is the only one speaking in the frames by himself, but we can hear both Marlowe and Vivian talk when she is framed alone. This shows his importance in her life whether he is seen or not, and how he plays a role behind the scenes.


Schrader Notes on Film Noir
This reading was very interesting and probably my favorite one from this class. Film noir is a fascinating type of film, and like Schrader said, it is one that has gone mostly unnoticed until recently. The realism and gritty undertones seen in these movies, along with other classic noir elements like lighting and use of shadows make these films more interesting than the flashy action movies that are popular today. Back then it was about getting a point across, and using your creativity to make a exciting, yet though invoking film. The emergence of the femme fatale during this time was also very important, because it allowed women to break out of their stereotypical roles and become the antagonist and branch out. One statement made in the article that I found interesting was the comment on how water is used a lot in film noir. I have seen many films, but never actually noticed this quality. However, thinking back I have realized than many films have water as a subtle, yet prominent theme. Either through rainy scenes, or wet streets after a rainy scene, rivers, or pools.