Noir City -- Hollywood: The 13th Annual Film Noir Festival

JUST wanted to let you all know that on April 1st, American Cinematheque kicks off its annual film noir festival in Hollywood at the iconic Egyptian Theater. We've been talking about L.A. as celluloid backdrop for crime, cynicism, corruption during the 40s and 50s, and this series appears to be offering a big dose of all of that -- but of course in stylish, Hollywood fashion -- stunning shadows in crisp blacks and whites.


From the website:

The venerable NOIR CITY film festival returns for its 13th year, presenting an astonishing array of rarities mostly available ONLY on the big screen. We’ve scoured studio archives to assemble a feast of film noir that can only be consumed in its original 35mm format, in the glorious darkness of a vintage movie palace!
This year’s program features several new prints preserved by the Film Noir Foundation and the UCLA Film & Television Archive, including rarities HIGH WALL, LOOPHOLE, THE HUNTED, STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT and THE DARK MIRROR. In fact, 23 of the 28 films in the series are not on DVD! This may be the last chance to ever see these extraordinary films on a big screen.

Check the Cinematheque's website for details on dates, times and prices.

--L.G.
photo via american cinematheque

"Criss Cross": The Trailer

AT ONE point, you could find the opening sequence with that bumpy ride over downtown with that gorgeous shot of City Hall as centerpiece, but alas no more.

This trailer is pretty good on its own, it sums up the mood and feel. Steve didn't see it coming . . . but he should have.

More L.A. Noir: "The Big Sleep"

BOGART as Chandler's Marlowe

The Other Chandler: Raymond Chandler

A LITTLE taste of a documentary about the life of writer Raymond Chandler who in many ways became the "noir laureate" of Los Angeles. His detective, Philip Marlowe knew how to navigate the seamy streets and broken-down souls of Los Angeles. In this little snip you'll see and hear some of the themes we've already been talking and reading about.

"A promised city stained by crime and corruption. "

-- L.G.

L.A. Noir is now "L.A. Noire"

NOW this makes me what to be a gamer. The attention to detail is pretty amazing. And check out the L.A. Times building near the top of the trailer.

-- L.G.