My recent foray into detective literature in my short story The Big Sleazy showcased how much I adore the Noir genre, whether written or filmed.
One of Noir's most classic visual tropes is, of course, shadows, whether cast by objects or by people. If you love that Noir aesthetic too, I hope you'll take 7 minutes of your time and watch this wonderful little film called In the Shadow. Using classic footage from more than sixty Noir or horror movies (listed in the credits at the end), it tells the story of an individual "Shadow" and his evil human "Wearer," whom the Shadow decides one day to kill in order to be free. It is in French with English subtitles.
Thanks to Miss Cellania on whose blog I found this gem!
Interestingly, a film clip appears at the 2:12 mark which is the ultimate source for an art piece I did for a previous film noir post --
At the time I did this illustration, I based it on another artist's work found on the internet and didn't realize its film origins!
[Art and photo of art © Debra She Who Seeks, 2021]
26 comments:
Will watch this for sure. Happy Shadowy weekend- Hugs- Diana
Love!
Impressive editing skills!
And the Noir films off the past always seem so much cooler…
XOXO
Sixpence
I loved this. I love the play of shadow and light, and the images of rain in shadow.
Your next career?
How clever! Thanks for sharing that!
Bwahaha... only the Shadow knows!
An interesting premise! What a moody little film - with some significant cat cameos. Lol
E
It is a great illustration that feels so much like inspector gadget.
Hi Debra, That film was a tour de force--imagine splicing all those clips smoothly together, not to mention finding and isolating all those parts in the first place. --Jim
I’ll watch it later today. But just by seeing the picture
It reminded me of the Daffy Duck cartoon where he is a detective and a fem fatal comes into his “joint”
To hire him for a case. Ensuing a funny episode
I really enjoyed this. Thank you. I shared with a friend.
Favorite frame: cat on trash can observing shadow fight. This whole production is pretty neat.
Oohh! I just watched it! What a great little film! Merci beaucoup.
I enjoyed this look at shadows, but I'm biased.
We could change our minds. We are pretty normal. I am concerned about those freaky politicians. So what do you think? I can also speak spanish. It sucks.
@ Kirk -- Yes, I suppose you are, Mister "Shadow of a Doubt!"
I love the language used in Noir literature--bold, dark, and alluring... the same goes for the films.
Fascinating. Very creative, and the b&w photography is wonderful!
It certainly is a specific art form that we no longer see. I enjoyed the film...the shadow work and silhouettes are amazing.
Your art piece is spectacular!
Are you familiar with Spider-Man Noir? He's one of my favorite alternate universe S-Men.
Sassybear
https://idleeyesandadormy.com/
@ Breenlantern/Sassybear -- Thanks for reminding me of Spider-Man Noir! I loved him in that delightful "Into the Spider-Verse" movie with all the multiverse Spideys! I've never read any of the Spider-Man Noir comix though. Perhaps I should remedy that!
Great video! It could definitely be made into a movie.
Would it be okay to post it on my blog REFLECTIONS and mention your blog as its source?
@ John M -- Sure, John, go ahead. Glad you enjoyed it so much that you want to share it on your blog too!
So cool, Debra! I love the illustration you did. I'll be back later to see the video. xox
Bogie is my kind of Film Noir. Though several of his films are pretty bad. Key Largo being the worst for using every hackneyed phrase in the business.
On the subject of shadows, many decades ago my late aunt worked in a general store in a small town. The basement was not well lit and kind of spooky so she did not go down often.
One day she had to go down and saw the shadow of a man hanging from the floor joists. The owner went down to investigate and found a pair of chest high waders hanging by the straps.
Oh that was a cool concept!
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