This course examines Film Noir, the dark, cynical American film genre
which emerged during World War II and its aftermath. We will
investigate the historical factors and literary influences that gave
rise to films focusing on criminality, urban alienation, and dangerous
sexuality while eschewing Hollywood conventions. Our road trip will
include classic noirs such as Double Indemnity and The Big Heat,
"neo-noirs" such as Blade Runner and Mulholland Drive, as well as an
Italian noir variant, the giallo. There will be three short papers, a
presentation, and a final.
