From the deadly hunt for a prized statue in John Huston's "The Maltese Falcon", to the terrifying transformation of a street junkie into a lethal assassin in Luc Besson's "La Femme Nikita", film noir remains the cinema's darkest, most cynical and hard-edged genre -- one that has never lost its hold on the imagination of moviegoers around the world. Now, in the first video renter's guide to film noir, "A Girl and a Gun" presents a comprehensive roster of noir films -- including plot summaries, incisive reviews, and complete screen credits -- as well as canny analysis of psychological and social subtexts in each film, little-known production anecdotes, and probing insights into the directors, writers and actors. Entertaining, informative, and stylishly written, "A Girl and a Gun" is an indispensable resource for everyone from new converts to seasoned noir buffs.
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A reflection of my passion and admiration for film noir
As I began this book I became more and more amazed by the depth of creative expression, cinematic invention and existential courage displayed by noir filmmakers. I came to see noir as the most socially and emotionally accurate body of movies in American history. There are so many books out on noir, but I felt few offered a literate movie-goer's appreciation coupled with a scholarly interest. Most of the noir scholarship is too dry, most of the moviegoer enthusiasm too, well, enthusiastic. I tried to walk a tightrope in between, and to make sure that when you finished reading one of the long-form reviews in my book, you both knew something about the film and could really make an informed decision about whether you wanted to rent it. I hope you enjoy the book and would welcome your comments...
As I began this book I became more and more amazed by the depth of creative expression, cinematic invention and existential courage displayed by noir filmmakers. I came to see noir as the most socially and emotionally accurate body of movies in American history. There are so many books out on noir, but I felt few offered a literate movie-goer's appreciation coupled with a scholarly interest. Most of the noir scholarship is too dry, most of the moviegoer enthusiasm too, well, enthusiastic. I tried to walk a tightrope in between, and to make sure that when you finished reading one of the long-form reviews in my book, you both knew something about the film and could really make an informed decision about whether you wanted to rent it. I hope you enjoy the book and would welcome your comments...
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
This is a fond and engaging look at the dark world of film noir. The book is full of great movie reviews and interesting tidbits.
My only minor complaint is the lack of video product code numbers to enable the reader to track down VHS or DVD copies of the movies mentioned in the text.
Highly recommended for anyone interested in learning more about the world of film noir.
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I never get depressed.Well,almost never. Maybe three, four times a year.When it happens I don't leave the house and submerge myself in countless videos. So you can imagine how thrilled I was to discover Meyer's first book "100 Great Films" and how even more excited I am to know Meyer might be on to a series or something with his latest "A GIRL AND A GUN," especially since I'm no film expert and have made countless mistakes renting unknown videos recommended by unknown sales clerks. In fact, I am probably the exact person for whom Meyer has written his books. Let me tell you about this past weekend when depression hit with a vengence. It began Friday night when I came home from work exhausted and cancelled all plans knowing I was going under. I browsed through Meyer's book, called up several stores and by midnight I had gathered up La Femme Nikita, Laura, An American Friend and The Third Man. I started with Laura on Saturday morning. I wanted something old and romantic, where women are idealized, idolized and elegant. So what if they have "no personality of their own," as Meyer writes, men adore them! That's what I want to see - a man inflamed by love!,not to mention beautiful clothes, fancy apartments, lunches at the Ritz and super dramatic lighting! and Laura has it all! Then, thanks to Meyer's great guide I rented An American Friend, mostly because I love Patricia Highsmith and her Tom Ripley character and had never known (until Meyer's book) he/it had been made into a film, by Wim Wenders no less! Oh,was it good! Dennis Hopper plays Ripley nothing like Highsmith wrote it but who cares he's so, so good!... Read more ›
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
Not recommended for the terminally dull and humorless. This book is funny, easy to read and comprehensive. Not as dry as most noir books and the mood guide, as with Meyer's first book, is a great help. I like to know if this is a date movie! Photos and captions are wonderful. I am giving them away as gifts to friends shut in with kids; makes raising kids more than bearable - even enjoyable. Thanks for bringing Ida Lupino back into my life!
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I really liked it. Meyer doesn't take the movies too seriously -they're just movies for God's sake! I happen to hate the scholastic approach, so his style is quite refreshing.
He managed to communicate what's important and essential about the films whitout boring me to death. Yes, it's subjective, but that's the way art is perceived, and that's the way it should be reviewed --never trusted those critics that seem to know "too much"-.
He made me feel like watching more of the genre, that's good, right?
He managed to communicate what's important and essential about the films whitout boring me to death. Yes, it's subjective, but that's the way art is perceived, and that's the way it should be reviewed --never trusted those critics that seem to know "too much"-.
He made me feel like watching more of the genre, that's good, right?
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
Talk about bad luck! Just as El Nino has finished its trip through California and the sun has come out, David N Meyer releases another fabulous book driving me indoors for more of the greatest film I have ever been exposed to. The five video stores in my immediate vicinity know me on a first name basis after the long rainy season which became almost cozy with his first book of hidden treasures, "The 100 Best Films to Rent You've Never Heard Of." Of course that book went beyond its claim and became the 100 BEST films I had ever seen, and then some, and then some more.
I can't imagine a more complete or concise guide and reference book packed into 302 pages. The late night films that I grew up with are having new meaning and depth for me. His reviews are intimate and witty, his choices are superb, his opinions sizzle. I usually read his mood guide and plot summary; watch the film and follow with his review; and then frequently watch the film again. I am constantly overwhelmed by the richness of his recommendations and underwhelmed by the new releases now playing at the movie theatre. I carry his books in my car so I won't be caught near a video store without them! The more informed that I become the more I realize I have been living in a small dark room. Not anymore!
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
Whether you're a serious student de noir or just curious, this book is great intellectual fun. I particularly enjoyed the author's ability to analyze the ideological underpinnings of these flicks (the role of women especially) without being tediously PC. The proofreading/copyediting leaves something to be desired, however.
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
The intro to A girl and a Gun provided a thorough and concise over view to the film noir genre... what makes a film "noir" and what can exclude one. I was not very knowledgable on the finer points of film in general, especially noir, and I always felt a bit overwhelmed in video stores as far as making choices. With Meyer's guide, I have been able to select films that suite my mood or company at the time, without the risk of renting a movie, then watching it and getting annoyed as I experience a good mood turn sour or a thoughtful mood becoming aggravated.
Meyer highlights the themes of each film so that the viewer can more fully appreciate some of the finer points of cinematography, symbolism or music without having to watch the movie 50 times over 5 years to "get it". I think the review on La Femme Nikita is particularly good, as are the ones on The Man I Love and Le Samourai. If you ever feel that there is no guidance in the video store and you feel like a lost sheep as far as what to rent, grab this book, and grab some for your friends for their birthdays. As a Meyer fan, I also recommend his previous guide, The 100 Best Films to Rent That You Have Never Heard Of. Both of these are great gifts!!
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