Description

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Film noir is defined by one source as a "style or genre of cinematographic film marked by a mood of pessimism, fatalism, and menace. Another source defines it as "a style of filmmaking characterized by elements such as cynical heroes, stark lighting effects, frequent use of flashbacks, intricate plots, and an underlying existentialist philosophy." Both definitions are correct, but defining the genre isn't that simple. Celebrated critic Roger Ebert found that out when he published his elaborate, 10-point "Guide to the Film Noir Genre" in 1995. "Film Noir Poster Book: 1940-1945" presents color, full page posters from nearly 75 American films in the genre which were made during this period. Films represented in this volume include, by year: 1940: "The Letter," "Stranger on the Third Floor," "They Drive by Night," and "Rebecca." 1941: "Among the Living," "Blues in the Night," "High Sierra," "I Wake Up Screaming" (aka "Hot Spot"), "Johnny Eager," "Ladies in Retirement," "The Maltese Falcon," "Out of the Fog," "Rage in Heaven," "Suspicion," "The Shanghai Gesture," and "A Woman's Face." 1942: "Crossroads," "The Glass Key," "Moontide," "Street of Chance," and "This Gun for Hire." 1943: "Calling Dr. Death," "The Fallen Sparrow," "Journey into Fear," "The Seventh Victim," "Shadow of a Doubt," and "Whispering Footsteps." 1944: "Bluebeard," "Christmas Holiday," "Dark Waters," "Double Indemnity," "Experiment Perilous," "Gaslight," "Guest in the House" (aka "Satan in Skirts")," "Laura," "Lady in the Death House," "The Lodger," "The Mark of the Whistler," "The Mask of Dimitrios," "Ministry of Fear," "Murder, My Sweet (aka "Farewell, My Lovely")," "Phantom Lady," "Strangers in the Night," "The Suspect,"Voice in the Wind," "The Whistler," and "The Woman in the Window." 1945: "Apology for Murder," "Bewitched," "Conflict," "Cornered," "Danger Signal," "Dangerous Intruder," "Detour," "Escape in the Fog," "Fallen Angel," "The Great Flamarion," "Hangover Square," "The House on 92nd Street," "Jealousy," "Johnny Angel," "The Lost Weekend," "Mildred Pierce," "My Name is Julia Ross," "The Power of the Whistler," "Scarlet Street," "Spellbound," "The Spider," "The Strange Affair of Uncle Harry," "Strange Illusion" (aka "Out of the Night"), "Two O'Clock Courage," "The Unseen," and "Voice of the Whistler." 86 Pages/Color on White Paper.