Why I Like to Watch Film Noirs

Over the past several days, I've watched two film noir gems out on DVD: GUN CRAZY (1950)and THE SET-UP (1949). If you like crime fiction, you're missing a real treat if you haven't seen either one.

GUN CRAZY starring John Dall and Peggy Cummins is one of my all-time favorite film noirs. Each time I watch it, I see new things, good and not-so-good, I missed previously. In short, Dall and Cummins go on a crime spree a la the Parkers, Clyde and Bonnie. Dall and Cummins play off each other with sensual, vulnerable energy.

This was my first viewing of THE SET-UP, a boxing flick with Robert Ryan as the washed up pug refusing to take a dive and go along with the fix. Ryan was a heavyweight champ at Dartmouth, so the fight scenes look real and gritty. He's another underrated actor who died much too young of lung cancer.

One reason I like watching film noir is because the pictures are shot in black-and-white. That's how I started out watching TV as a kid. Plus film noir directors didn't have jack for a budget, and yet they directed great watchable films. For instance, the nuances and details in THE SET-UP are terrific. So, go boot up the DVD player and watch 'em.

Ed Lynskey
Twitter: @edlynskey

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