I believe this book fits a lot of characteristics of Noir. One of the first things that popped out at me was the fact that the book was in a was in first person, almost as if it was being narrated. The main character best known as Mr.Huff tells the story from his perspective , introducing his thoughts and feelings every step of the way. The authors Raymond Borde and Etienne Chaumeton state “film noir is [crime] from within; from the point of view of the criminal.” and this book was from the point of view of the criminal although Mr.Huff sometimes spoke as if he wasn't the criminal at all. as if he was doing a good deed or paying a debt to society by killing a man who didn't deserve to have his life taken. He spoke of it as if it was just another insurance claim waiting to be filled. something that he said that made me feel that way was when he kept talking about audacity, the first line in chapter 6 ," the moment of audacity that has to be part of any murder.'' 'Any murder' as its a casual thing to talk about. it does happen every day but to acually do it and talk about doing it shouldn't be a casual thing . But i guess that is why this fits noir so well .
Another thing that fit the film noir was very obvious, the femme fatale of the story Ms.Nirdlinger Sneaky and manipulative. At the begaining it seemed like she was going to be the good girl but i was quickly proven wrong. she pulled in Mr.huff to be her partner in crime with almost no effort at all. could have been her looks or the way she placed her words to make Mr.huff feel like he was the one who was actually in control. and after the first kiss it seemed there was no going back . she was sweet in her ways but even did things to Mr.huff that made him cringe . he asked the femme fatale to bring a witness but she had brought the own victims daughter and that made him look at her side ways . that even surprised me , watching a daughter watch her dad sign his death certificate. seems like a typical bad girl move. not caring who's around just thinking about the benefit in the end and never the consequences.
I completely agree with your description with the femme fatal Phylis, I thought the same way, her effortless charm and power on manipulating Walter works really quick.She fits on that character by playing it all innocent and charming. I noticed about that kiss too, In my head I was like how easy, a kiss can kill someone already.She is definetely someone that we have to look after to when it comes to evilness. I also like your point about the narration, it is one of the aspects in noirs that this story has, everything we know and see is base from the criminal's point of view, he invite us inside his brain and tell us exactly what's going on inside there, the author did a good job on illustrating that by describing everything in full details. I like how you also give meaning on Phyllis putting Lola as her witness, you have a good point that she is being insensitive on how will Walter and Lola feel. My only side comment is how you think Walter speak like as if he is not the criminal, ofcourse he is, but with a criminal like him, a little psycho I must say, he would not think of that, not even a feeling of remorse, scared maybe but when you are a criminal you dont think you are a criminal. All in all you did a good job on your entry! :)
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you about the good girl gone wrong. She is so a femme fatale. I thought it was wrong for her to bring in his own daughter as the witness. I thought you had a lot of good points about the novel and you brought out really interesting arguments on the subjects. I agreed and wrote very similar comments as well.The narration that was a good example of film noir. I think that the good girl is more like the daughter Lola. So far she seems to be pretty good and not anything like her step mother. I think your entry was a very good example of film noir and you did good with the comparisons.
ReplyDeletei must say that you entailed Mr. Huff as a criminal but to him he was performing an act of love. he so desperately was in love/lust with this woman that he was willing to do anything for her. he may have devised a perfectly researched and well thought out plan to follow but he was just a pawn in Mrs. Nirling's game. Phylis was the boss and she knew it. she played by his rules so she could win but it was her game from the beginning. what really got me was the fact that after he went through with it he didn't even really want her anymore. he finally realized what she had gotten him to do and he hated her for it. he was like a blind sheep being lead to the slaughter house. i enjoyed your post and insight on the book and look forward to reading more from you! ;)
ReplyDeleteIam just going to go completely of topic and say I love your blog, with all the pictures and videos...Im really wanting to redesign my blog now.
ReplyDeleteOkay, now back on topic...
I was extremely caught off guard by the femme fetel in this book! I guess there was some part of me that figured it was going to be her, because i mean whats a film noir without one. But i have to say that she got me and good at that. I never expected that she wanted to kill her husband...I acctually thought she was her husband at first, like when Mr.Huff saw "something in her pants" as you can see i was wrong on that too.
Overall great blog! Love the Pictures!
thank you . i thought the same thing i thought maybe she had a sex change ! and i still thing theres something up with that because it hasnt really even been cleard up ! its very questionable but at least it pulls you in .
DeleteI definitely would have to agree with you on the femme fatale part also. And also the fact of the first person narrative fitting into the noir category. It reminds me alot of sunset blvd. plus I love the way you layed out you're blog and the great detail you have. It really makes me want to read more of you're stuff. I think you did a great job.
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