Noirvember Notes
Welcome to Noirvember.
Here are some noir-ish suggestions from your favorite neighborhood noir fiend…
Noir in cinema: A Bluebird in My Heart, directed by Jérémie Guez, is a noir masterpiece. It’s a character-driven, gritty noir story that follows an ex-con staying at a motel while trying to find a job and get back on his feet. He befriends the proprietor and her daughter and gets wrapped into a cycle of justified vengeance when the daughter is assaulted. Like all great noir stories, this one is truly about the people—who they are, what they believe in, their myriad faults, and how they see/enact justice. Technically, the film is well-directed, beautifully shot, and superbly acted. Roland Moller, as Danny, conveys the complexities of a man who is equally adept at fixing a restaurant dish washer or drywalling a room as he is at knowing how to love and respect others. And yet, he is still bound to the cycle of vengeance that rises from the criminal code and prison system. A must see for noir fans.
Noir in photographs: This might be an outdated suggestion for some readers, but when I want noir inspiration (to write or read), I’ll scope out the photojournalism of Weegee. It amazes me how artful his documentation remains—some of these pics aren’t for the faint of heart. Check ‘em out!
Noir for the ears: Old school suggestion here…How about a listen to Mink Deville’s album Cabretta? Is it noir? Hell, yes it is—this album is all about the streets. And it’s freaking beautiful. Not many singers out there can hold a candle to Willy DeVille. And he’s about as rock ’n’ roll as it gets.
Another one to watch: Hightown on Starz is back for a second season. The first season followed a brutal murder mystery, and gave us a stellar lead character in ‘fish cop’ Jackie Quiñones (paired with detective Ray Abruzzo). This one is everything a noir television series should be—and more. Highly recommended.
Okay. That’s it. Until next time…
Remember to mend your fences and walk the line. And if you can help it, avoid working overtime.
XO
