In reading Space,
Time, and Subjectivity in Neo-Noir Cinema by Jerold J. Abrams I came to the
realization that though film noir and neo-noir include the similarities in
characters, they were completely different. Though both are told by first
person perspective, the detective in film noir is always searching for a
criminal. As written by Abrams, neo-noir is where the “detectives search is for
himself, for his own identity and how he may have lost it.” Hence, neo-noir
protagonist detectives, heroes always have some form of amnesia. They either
cannot form new memories, cannot remember past events, or one particular event.
However, time is very important to the structure of neo-noir, where it can be
classified as past neo-noir, present, neo-noir, and future neo noir.
When
talking about past neo-noir the protagonist hero, detective seems to be
vulnerable and in search for something he cannot reach. It seems that the only
way to find what he is looking for is to go back in time. Once there, after
facing many obstacles he realizes the truth of what he was searching for. He
tends to find himself in the brink of danger.
Future
neo-noir is more about science and technology.
In this case the protagonist hero must find himself, despite technology.
For example in the movie Blade Runner
the main character is of course in most noir films a detective, of the name
Rick Deckard, where he believes that he is looking for a villain... android.
When he comes face to face with Rachel he comes to the conclusion that not everything
is as it seems. He begins to search for the truth, his truth. Was it possible
that he is an android too, and if so why didn’t he realize it sooner?
As
for present neo-noir it seems that the protagonist heroes always seem to be
trying to remember who they were, rather than searching for who they are. They are
trying to explain what their bodies know, but what their minds don’t. The antihero tends to be deeply uncertain
about his past and unsure about the meaning of the present activity he is engaged
in, therefore questioning his identity.
Hence
forth, neo noir’s protagonist hero is somewhat different from that of film
noir. As written by Abrams, the heroes “can never escape the illusions of his
own mind.” Meaning that everything they think they did, every action they take
will always be questionable because of the inability to escape oneself, for the
fact that one is always ahead of the other.
Never fails always a blog, I look forward to reading, good body, simply yet everything needed. Liked how you incorporated both the descriptions of the 3 Sub genres while describing the protagonist roles. You got that article down pretty well nice work.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on blade runner, the entire way neo noir is set is very much into the protagonist while he finds himself. I like how you talked about the future and how even the most advanced technology cant help figure out who you really are. I think the protagonist is everything you said he is. You did a very nice job in explaining what the neo noir detective is. So good job and keep doing what you are doing, for the most part I agree, and I like how you went into depth in how the detective is tring to solve his own life.
ReplyDeleteYour response is well written; including everything that the assignment was asking for. In your first paragraph you explain briefly but clearly how the protagonist in film noir and neo noir differ. Both surrounded by corruption but in search of two different things. The topic for your body paragraphs were the three neo noirs: past, future, and present. You gave good brief explanation for the three though giving only one film example. With the film example you used for future neo noir I got a greater understanding. Your concluding paragraph sums it all up with a great quote from his article.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your blog, Eliza. Straight forward and effective. Also, with some good deconstructions of Abrams’ descriptions. You condensed the questions of Blade Runner rather well. I believe to this day that film enthusiasts are still trying to decipher the plot of that movie. Is he a replicant or not? And I don’t think Ridley Scott will ever be completely forthcoming.
ReplyDeleteAt the end you did a great job encapsulating the distinctions between the noir and neo-noir protagonist, highlighting the loss of the classic noir lead with the rise of the conflicted man who is split at his core.