Schrader and the Film Noir

I found Schrader's "Notes on Film Noir" to be a very interesting document. I liked how he first introduced us readers to a more clear definition of what film noir is- a style of film, though not a genre, that emphasizes subtle qualities of tone and mood. He then broke it down into a historical context by categorizing the four major conditions in American society that led up to the "birth" of this style: war and post-war disillusionment, post-war realism, the German influence, and our “hard-boiled” tradition (namely, the pre-set conventions of which society had become accustomed). This helped to better answer my lingering questions about why the sudden popularity.

Next Schrader gave a thorough breakdown of film noir’s recurring techniques, but glossed over the discussion with regards to theme. I would have preferred that he delve into the various themes film noir embraces rather than give a brief synopsis about a passion for the past, the present, and a fear of the future (one major overarching theme in film noir).

Finally, I though Schrader's belief that the film noir period of Hollywood was probably the most creative period in its history was a rather bold statement. Though I can definitely see film noir as a major creative undertaking and a true art form, I'm not sure that I would consider it Hollywood's finest masterpiece. Still, this might be the result of the fact that I am an American film consumer who perhaps lacks an eye for viewing style. As Schrader put it, “film noir is more interested in style than theme, whereas American critics have been traditionally more interested in theme than style.” That I can agree with.