Noir is as American as jazz, right? But just like there are jazz clubs in Paris and Tokyo, noir is international. For Americans, Humphrey Bogart’s Sam Spade in The Maltese Falcon is as familiar as Cheerios and the Super Bowl. (Maybe almost as familiar; noir buffs think we’re everywhere.) But France, Britain and Mexico had their own versions of noir cinema during the classic period in the 40s and 50s. In Japan, losing the war, suffering massive destruction and being occupied until 1952 fed a noir aesthetic that reflects aspects of US noir while providing a different take on it. Four crime films by world-famous director Akira Kurosawa give us a hint how noir can mutate to meet different cultural needs.
I find myself being captivated by your essays- rather they hold an interest to me or not, I can’t stop reading! Seeing your email sitting among a mix of daily, weekly, or monthly lists of various topics , I save yours. Anticipating a time when I can stop scanning thru “the usuals” and savor for a short period an immersion into a message that requires nothing from me. Yet, so compelling in topic - I didn’t even know I was interested in, and craft that effortlessly informs and educates. It is a rare and envious skill- thank you for sharing it.
I find myself being captivated by your essays- rather they hold an interest to me or not, I can’t stop reading! Seeing your email sitting among a mix of daily, weekly, or monthly lists of various topics , I save yours. Anticipating a time when I can stop scanning thru “the usuals” and savor for a short period an immersion into a message that requires nothing from me. Yet, so compelling in topic - I didn’t even know I was interested in, and craft that effortlessly informs and educates. It is a rare and envious skill- thank you for sharing it.
Kathryn
Kathryn, Thank you so much for your encouraging words! I'm so grateful for your comment and your time spent reading. Makes everything worthwhile!
Elizabeth