Essay on Chinatown as Film Noir - 838 Words

Chinatown as Film Noir Films that are classified as being in the film noir genre all share some basic characteristics. There is generally a voice-over throughout the film in order to guide the audiences perceptions. These movies also involve a crime and a detective who is trying to figure out the truth in the situation. This detective usually encounters a femme fatale who seduces him. However, the most distinctive feature of the film noir genre is the abundance of darkness. Roman Polanskis 1974 film, Chinatown, revolutionized the film noir genre. Aside from the absense of voice-over, the film shares all the same characteristics with earlier noirs. That is, of course, except for the fact that ?Chinatown? is†¦show more content†¦They take up the entire screen, so for the first minute or so of the film, the audience does not realize that they are, in fact, photographs that detectives are examining. The darkness of the photographs also references the genre. It is as if Polanski is immediately t rying to convey to the audience that regardless of the fact that it is a color film, it is still a film noir. While the film is in color, sometimes it appears to be in black and white. There are no bright colors in the film. Most of the colors are either browns, beiges, whites, blacks, and grays, so that even when the characters are outside or in daylight, there are contrasts between lights and darks. For example, at the beginning Mr. Gettes is seated in a somewhat dark office, yet he is wearing an all-white suit. Later, when he goes to examine the dried up river bed, his black suit contrasts with the bright sunlight and light colored sand. Also, the makeup used on the women in the film is not bright or colorful. One might expect for the femme fatale to wear red lipstick or some type of makeup that makes her look more michevious. However, Mrs. Mulwray does not appear to be wearing much makeup throughout the film. Her lips are a brownish color and the same for her eyes. Her hair is brown as well. This makes it more difficult to realize that Mrs. Mulwray is the femme fatale. In fact, in the first half hour of the film the viewer is unsure to whether or not Mrs.Show MoreRelatedChinatown: Above The Film Noir Genre Essay1597 Words   |  7 Pagessurface, Chinatown has all the elements of a film noir: the presence of a beautiful but dangerous woman, otherwise known as the femme fatale, a gritty urban setting, compositional tension (highly contrasting light and dark colors or oblique camera angles), and themes of moral ambiguity and alienation. Chinatown, however, is different. Polanski shot Chinatown with color film, an d though his colors do appear especially vivid, color film precludes the contrast intensity that black and white film offersRead MoreComparison of Noir and Neo Noir Themes in the Films Double Indemnity and Chinatown1117 Words   |  5 PagesThe attempt of this overview is to discuss the similarities, differences and influences of Noir Film and Neo Noir Film and analyzed how they have evolved taking Double Indemnity and Chinatown and as generic examples.To achieve this attempt, first of all. It is important to know what it is considered Noir Film, when it began and how this was developed into the Neo-Noir cinema. It is considered Noir Cinema those made between 1940 and almost 1960 in which very inner characteristics were the individualRead MoreFilm Noir and Neo Noir Themes Found in Double Indemnity and Chinatown890 Words   |  4 Pages Film noir, directly translates as â€Å"black film† from French due to the dark nature of the film which includes its use of low key lighting in all films in this particular genre. Inspired by German expressionism, the genre developed around the time of World War II when musical and comedies were in bloom. But due to the war, people grew weary of the optimism and humour in these films, thus causing the popularity of film noir to slowly grow. Film noir reflected the issues people at the time were goingRead MoreChinatown ( 1974 ), Falls Under The Category Of Film Noir Style1161 Words   |  5 PagesChinatown Critique Essay The film Chinatown (1974), falls under the category of Film Noir Style. The film s basis its plot on corruption scandals, which shed light on dark secrets and very unfortunate events around the Cross’ Family, Evelyn Cross and her Father and John Cross (John Huston), who is the center figure of the plot, and a private investigator Jake Gittes (Jack Nicholson). The central of the plot is a charge of conspiracy of the corruption between, politicians, Mr. Cross, and the policeRead MoreElements of Film Noir between the Movies Maltese Falcon, Chinatown, and L.A. Confidential572 Words   |  2 Pagesof the elements of Film Noir between the movies Maltese Falcon, Chinatown, and L.A. Confidential. This will also discuss if Chinatown and L.A. Confidential remain true to the classical form or if they are in the baroque level of genre. This essay will also identify these discussions using examples for each film. Maltese Falcon could be explained more precisely as transitional films that mark limitations amongst true film noir and film that may have some elements or none noir. Maltese Falcon presentsRead MoreCinematography Analysis Of Polanskis Chinatown1093 Words   |  5 PagesCinematography Analysis in Chinatown Chinatown is based on Roman Polanski’s lifeworks. Polanski’s goal is to emphasizes the meaning of how cinematography is made, and how it inspires by understanding the concept of setting, lighting, and how the image is captured. This film was released in 1974 by director of Roman Polanski to focus on private investigator J.J. Gittes, played by Jack Nicholson to investigate the elements behind the truth. Polanski’s goal is to emphasize the audience to give anRead MoreMaltese Falcon, L.A. Confidetial, and Chinatown940 Words   |  4 PagesMaltese Falcon, L.A. Confidential, and Chinatown are all considered a classic for noir films. Even though these films are not actually black film they are a Hollywood crime drama. Not all of them are in the Hollywoods classical film noir period from the early 1940s to the late 1950s. The Maltese Falcon is more like a classical noir film than the other two movies. Maltese falcon has all the traits a noir film should have. Like fata lism, the femme fatale, the male protagonists, shadows, gloomy,Read MoreMovie Review : Chinatown And The Girl With The Dragon 875 Words   |  4 Pages â€Å"Chinatown† and â€Å"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo† Noir (noir means black in French) is a style which was frequently seen in 1940-1950s film mostly consisting of crime, sex and fiction. Modern motion pictures use the same genre, but updated visual, theme and content. Neo-noir, Greek term neo means new, making term new black. Noir movies are very popular among the audiences. Chinatown (1974) directed by Roman Polanski, starring Jack Nicholson (Protagonist) as Jake Gittes, FayeRead MoreAnalysis Of J. J Gittes In Chinatown1397 Words   |  6 PagesHimself, J.J. Gittes, in Chinatown Roman Polanski used every minute of his movie Chinatown to define and redefine J.J. Gittes, played by Jack Nicholson. Gittes is for all intents and purposes a classic private investigator, making a living out of other infidelity. Polanski adds an element of quirkiness to Gittes by utilizing the genius of Jack Nicholson and incorporating film noir traits. With Polanski’s mixture of modern acting talent combined with an updated format of color film he creates a visualRead MoreAmerican Film Noir For Present Day1829 Words   |  8 Pages American Film Noir Student’s Name Institutional Affiliation American Film Noir There have been several debates over a long period of time concerning the validity of film noir as a distinct genre. Essays and books have debated the term for years using various criteria and rubrics to back up their respective positions on the subject. As the 21st century brings new and creative trends from screenwriting to post-production and everything in between, the boundaries of noir become even