Blog #5 article review

In Cinema Autopsy Notes on film : Double Indemnity by Thomas Caldwell the author references how some thought film noir to be a stylistic genre and others a stylistic movement that defined 1930's and 40's America. Since it was a type of film that became fairly popular after the World War II, I could see where the confusion could come in, personally I think its a little of both  but mainly inspired by the war. Another thing I had no idea about is how the French film makers were the ones to come up with the term film noir well actually they referred to it as "black film",the name originating from the dim low key lighting. I really find it interesting how the name originated from the dark lighting, kind of a unique inspiration. Based on the article the dark set lighting was first seen in German films in the 1910's to early 1930's, seems like the more I read about film noir the further back we go in time. Also the one thing I noticed about all film noir articles is how they mention the importance of the femme fatale, I guess with out her the film wouldn't be what it is, there would be no murder scheme, no weak man to manipulate, basically no tragic ending. The article states how the femme fatale is responsible for the downfall of the hero for most of the film, this is also another point most people argue, is she really? or is the protagonist just making himself seem that way? maybe he always had an urge to kill and enjoys being told what to do and so happens to meet the right women at the right time and tries to blame the women for the downfall, I guess well never know that's the mystery of film noir.  Based on the article the femme fatale is the key element of film noir, and that Barbara Stanwyck's portroyal of Phyllis Dietrichsonn is considered one of the all time great femme fatales. The novel does provide a good description of phyllis so when I saw the film I saw exactly who I had imagined, Phyllis embodies all the characteristics from sexy to devious with an awesome shape. I found this article to be very interesting as it taught me a few things I didn't know regarding film noir. I also found myself agreeing with the points the author pointed out most of all how the femme fatale is the key element of film noir , I could see how back in the 40's this type of film must have been amusing to watch especially by women, being how women back then were not so outspoken and sat back in the shadows while the men made all the decisions. Like stated in the article it is not easy to define film noir but it it is easy to point out the characteristics, I'm still shocked I like it because its in black and white but I am glad I have been introduced to it.