ASK EDDIE - November 10, 2022
FNF prez Eddie Muller responds to film noir fan questions fielded by the Foundation's Director of Communications Anne Hockens. In this episode, we discuss film reference libraries, the difference between psychological thrillers and film noir, director Robert Wise, “Seconds”, Ernest Hemingway and more. We wind up with a discussion on noir style horror films. On the cat front, a new face demands attention. Want your question answered in a future episode? We solicit questions from our email subscribers in our monthly newsletters. Sign up for free at https://www.filmnoirfoundation.org/si... Note: Eddie will not be able to answer questions posted during the livestream nor ones left on our social media accounts This week’s questions: 1. Not sure if I’ve asked this before but can you discuss the various reference libraries dealing with film? —Phil, Dedham, Ma 2. Is there a more violent, surprise ending in a noir than “Angel Face”? —Joe 3. What do you think of “Million Dollar Weekend” (1984)? —Douglas 4. As a lifelong Billy Wilder fan, I'd like to know if you would classify any of these three Wilder films as Comedy Noir: “Some Like it Hot”, “The Apartment”, and “The Fortune Cookie”. —Doug, Silver Spring, MD 5. “A Guest in the House” is one of my favorite noir films. But I get intense push back when I describe it as a noir Anyway, I thought I’d turn to you guys. “Noir or Not”? —Kim, Illinois 6. I was thinking about movie stars of the 1940s and 1950s, and which ones had never done noir, or neo-noir. Audrey Hepburn was one name that came to mind, but then I wondered if “Wait Until Dark” might be considered “neo-noir”. However, Wikipedia calls it a “psychological thriller”, but a number of films they list as examples are noir or neo-noir, plus many Hitchcock films. So, how would you define or separate these two similar genres? Also, which stars never made a film you consider noir, but could have been great in noir films. —Brian in Toronto 7. My question is about director Robert Wise. He's one of my favorite noir directors and made some of my favorite noir films such as “The Set-Up”, “Born to Kill”, and particularly “Odds Against Tomorrow”. But despite these wonderful films, he often doesn't seem to be mentioned in the cannon of great noir filmmakers. I'm curious if you agree that he is under appreciated as a noir master, and if so, why you think that is. —Andy 8. 1. I am fascinated by Raymond Burr’s performances in several noirs as they are so different from his Perry Mason persona. Did Eddie ever get to interview Burr about his “tough guy” roles in various noir films and what burr thought of them? 2. Has Eddie ever seen the movie “Diva”? Would that be considered a neo noir? —Ed, Bethesda, Md. 9. In Dorothy Dandridge’s only noir “Malaga”, was there ever any plans to put her in any other noir films? Or was the racial element deemed too controversial for white audiences who embraced noir? —Roland J 10. Reading your new and updated “Dark City” I keep learning about films I’ve never seen. I want to see them. I assume (correct me if I’m wrong) that their non-appearance on TCM has to do with demands of copyright owners. And I assume those demands have grown since the streaming platforms have multiplied. For all I know, there is a film noir platform being organized… Might I hope you are organizing it? —Eric 11. Several years ago, I read your short story “The Grand Inquisitor”. Several days ago, my wife and I were watching Noir Alley’s presentation of “Raw Deal” (also great). When the credits ended, and your short movie of “The Grand Inquisitor” came on the screen. Do you have any more surprises like this coming to future Noir Alleys? —Reg in Ohio 12. Have you seen the 1966 film, "Seconds?" I believe it to be the best pure Film Noir post-1960 and I think it would be a great film to show on Noir Alley. —Jan, Rockville, MD 13. Ever since I was required to read Ernest Hemmingway in school, I have never been a fan of most of his novels. However, he wrote two great short stories, the excellent “The Killers” and the even better “The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber”. I read the latter many years ago and loved it from beginning to end. Was it ever made into a motion picture? If either one of you has read the story or seen the movie (if it exists), I’d like to know your opinions —Craig from Carlsbad 14. Eddie has from time to time mentioned a few classic horror films and we know Anne is a fan ... so in a slight digression, could you both talk briefly about some of your favorite horror movies, either parallel with the classic noir era, or stylistically comparable. OR NOT! —DJS 15. Some actors don’t like to see themselves on screen, anyone like this in Noir? I don’t think I could do it if I was an actor. How about you Eddie, do you study yourself on TCM appearances? Is it a problem for you to see yourself?
