Favorite Classic Film Noir

[qb2333]

I’m a big fan of classic noir. I understand the genre is hard to define but I’m talking about the morally ambiguous or cynical heroes, the main characters that are lured toward the dark side or crime, the femme fatales, dark urban setting, crime drama, private eye, etc. elements that permeate these movies. I would like to know if there is a favorite here, some I haven’t had a chance to see yet and really anything else that I could learn about the genre. I’m starting with a list of some famous movies considered noirs...

[Todd Tomorrow]

I never thought of Notorious as a film noir, it's more of a romantic WWII spy film in the tradition of Casablanca, but it's probably not wrong either considering how callously Cary Grant treats Bergman's character. It makes him a homme fatale.

Notorious, The Big Heat and the Lady from Shanghai would be my favourites on the list, though I pretty much like all the films on there.

[The Stick]

The Big Sleep is my all time favorite.
You are never quite sure exactly what's going on but I really like the look and atmosphere of the film. I first saw it on the big screen in an art theater and now I love it more each time I watch it. I also love how they must have cast some of the most loveliest actresses of the 40's in this to play even the minor characters

Another recent favorite of mine not on your list is Gun Crazy.

[Holmes]

The Maltese Falcon, followed by Laura and then Gaslight (1944)

[Scottie]

I'll have to go with The Big Sleep, although all of the choices are excellent!

[Scarface32]

Double Indemnity

[KOQ24]

the third man.

if i had to show a perfect example of film noir its that movie

[L.J.]

Went with White Heat.

[qb2333]

Just went back and noticed suggestions Gun Crazy and Gaslight. Haven't seen either but I'll check them out. Thanks

[Jaymole]

Sweet Smell of Success

followed by Double Indemnity & The Maltese Falcon

[Gerby]

Favourite from the list The Big Sleep (1946)
Favourite not from the list Un Temoin Dan's La Ville aka Witness In The City (1959)

[qb2333]

Not much on Witness In The City online but I loved La Cage Aux Folles which was the same director so I'll try to check that out tough completely different. Thanks

[Gerby]

Originally Posted by qb2333

Not much on Witness In The City online but I loved La Cage Aux Folles which was the same director so I'll try to check that out tough completely different. Thanks

If you've seen or like Jean Pierre Melville's movies, you will probably like this. Michael Mann's Collateral also reminds me of this movie.

[Dumbhuman]

In a Lonely Place.

I know, it's not exactly the traditional private eye and femme fatale formula, but the story, themes, and dialogue just make a personal favorite. Of course I haven't seen Scarlet Street or White Heat yet, but I doubt they'll top In a Lonely Place for my taste.

[qb2333]

Originally Posted by Dumbhuman

In a Lonely Place.

I know, it's not exactly the traditional private eye and femme fatale formula, but the story, themes, and dialogue just make a personal favorite. Of course I haven't seen Scarlet Street or White Heat yet, but I doubt they'll top In a Lonely Place for my taste.

Haven't seen In a Lonely Place yet but it looks very good. I can tell you White Heat and Scarlet Street are both excellent

[The Great Owl]

Out of the Past is not only my favorite classic film noir. It's my favorite movie of all time.

[qb2333]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

Out of the Past is not only my favorite classic film noir. It's my favorite movie of all time.

I can tell from your avatar. A great choice

[Smartmark]

3 - Touch Of Evil
2 - The Third Man
1 - The Maltese Falcon

[Mrdamron]

From this list...

1. Out of the Past
2, The Maltese Falcon
3. Notorious
4. Sunset Boulevard
5. Key Largo
6. The Big Sleep
7. The Third Man
8. Touch of Evil
9. The Killing
10. White Heat

I absolutely love ASPHALT JUNGLE, would consider it a top ten Hollywood noir classic.

[qb2333]

Thanks for the suggestions. Haven't seen them all so I'll have to check out a few