Hollywood will visit Hillsdale through the crime dramas of the 1940s and 1950s next week at the Center for Constructive Alternatives’ “Film Noir.” According to the CCA website, film noir is a genre with “a distinctive visual style, edgy themes, violent plots, and bleak urban settings.”
The program will feature Alain Silver, director, producer, and film historian; Eddie Muller, host of Turner Classic Movies; Titus Techera from the American Cinema Foundation; and Barton Palm, former director of the World Cinema Program at Clemson University.
“As someone that is actually into film somewhat, I’m looking forward to seeing where the genre started and comparing it to movies in the genre today,” sophomore Jonathan Abrantes, who will be attending the CCA, said. “I recommend people to keep an open mind, fall in love with the genre, and watch the movies.”
As part of the lecture series, the CCA will screen three films: “The Maltese Falcon,” starring Humphrey Bogart, Peter Lorre, and Sydney Greenstreet; “The Killers,” featuring Burt Lancaster, and Ava Gardner; and “Laura,” starring Clifton Webb, Dana Andrews, Gene Tierney, and Vincent Price.
The CCA website said it will “consider the history and elements of film noir, the political and social implications of its themes, and its continuing influence on American cinema.”
Freshman Joseph Claeys said he looks forward to the event.
“I really like the atmosphere of film noir,” Claeys said. “It certainly is one of a kind and everything is dark and gritty. You don’t know who to trust and there are questionable morals. It is often like the gritty world of the 1920s.”
