The principal focus will be on the American “noir” films between 1940-55, the period during which the genre itself was defined and developed. Beyond the style and the techniques of this unique world of film, the parallels between cinema noir and America’s social and political pressures will be examined. The course will include the neo-Noir school, the filmmakers who ‘borrowed’ from the originators by re-applying the basics to the changing times in the 1970’s and beyond. Prereq: Level at least 2A(Cross-listed with FINE 365)
