In a great article titled ‘Double Indemnity’ Is 75, But Anklets (And Film Noir) Are Forever on NPR.com commentator Mark Rivers correctly points out that Double Indemnity (1944) helped launch the film noir genre. These stylized Hollywood crime dramas emphasize cynical attitudes sexual motivations, and cynical attitudes.

I love the Rain-soaked streets, the seedy taverns, diners, and run-down buildings with their claustrophobic interiors. How about all those flickering street lamps and neon signs and the deep shadows? What’s that spell? Hopelessness, danger that need a hero even if he is a drunk, a heel and a cad.

Do your some research. Pick one you haven’t seen or read and get in the mood tonight. My favorites,in no particular order are The Maltese Falcon, They Live By Night, Kiss Me Deadly, D.O.A., Detour, The Devil Thumbs a Ride (great title!), Night of the Hunter, Gilda (Rita Hayworth at her sultry best), Double Indemnity (Barbara Stanwyck is amazing), Casablanca, and The Big Sleep (the movie is a bit confusing so try the Raymond Chandler book).

Do these films reflect my own attitude? Sometimes. What I am saying is that I love psychological dramas and crime thrillers. While noir films come with a tone and mood all their own they are essentially damn good thrillers. So when the private eye is stalking his partner’s killer (The Maltese Falcon), or a woman seduces a man then gets him to kill her husband (Double Indemnity) or when a guy is simply a victim of circumstance (D.O.A.) I’m all in to read or watch and enjoy. Here is a great list from Open Culture.

Roger Ebert described classic film noir this way: A movie which at no time misleads you into thinking there is going to be a happy ending. I’m not looking for happy endings. I want the thrill and surprise of a noir classic.