I've always been a huge fan of "film noir," the gritty crime dramas so popular during the 40's and 50's. And the modern updates on the genre always interest me also, though many of them are worse than pulp, instead they are bad remakes of pulp.
The problem for me in the class, however, has always been that students do not share my love of these early noirs. The Asphalt Jungle is one of my all time favorites, but students dislike it for some as yet undivined reason. So, this year I am going to solve the problem beforehand.
It's very simple: You either love "The Asphalt Jungle" or else. I am not threatening anyone, of course, but the last film should suffice as a "word to the wise." So, should you trash this film, either in class or on your blog, and should you subsequently find yourself standing across a saloon from me begging for mercy because you are unarmed, because you "ain't drunk," because you're "building a house," because you brought me a pony, because you "ain't given to wickedness in a regular way," because you "ain't like that anymore" because you "don't deserve this" then I will respond with two actions. First, I will say, "deserve ain't got nothing to do with it." And then I will... er, hmm ...
We'll leave the second action unmentioned, because, after all, "The Asphalt Jungle" will prove absolutely riveting and immensely entertaining to all.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I won't say I am a big fan of film noir, mainly because I have only seen a few in my life. To say I love the entire genre would be premature. I am looking forward to The Asphalt Jungle because I really would love to see what the "essentials" of a film noir are. People frequently say that Fargo was a modern film noir, and I would like to be able to find the reasons why.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, if we do not like The Asphalt Jungle, are we allowed to put up a post about it as long as we provide relevant arguments and use examples from the film? I can understand you don't want us to just outright trash it, but if we can organize our complaints in a civilized, respectable post, would you allow that?
This year will be different. We will watch it. We will love it. We will demand more b/w. But if people still complain about film noir show some film blanc.
ReplyDeleteAll kidding aside I look forward to watching it.
Also those convinced against their will are of the same opinion still.
ReplyDeleteThat was beautiful Danny haha. I'm gonna write that one down.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure I'll enjoy The Asphalt Jungle. I like heist movies.
I know I am going to enjoy "The Asphalt Jungle", solely for the fact that...
ReplyDeleteAccording to Wikipedia,
"In 2008, The Asphalt Jungle was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being 'culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant'."
And with a distinction like that, how could someone NOT enjoy this film? ;-)
My post was meant for amusement purposes only. Also, I'm just letting everyone know that the next film has not gotten raves, but you have to take it seriously. The Top Hat mutiny annoyed me because I agreed with you. The film was out of place at that moment and I was annoyed at myself for showing it. Naturally, I took out my annoyance on you.
ReplyDeleteBut Asphalt Jungle is a serious film and an integral part of what I'm trying to teach. So, any mutineers will be shot.
However, serious and thoughtful criticism is always welcome. I just don't want any eye-rolling and dismissive sneering.