Film Noir

Paper Summary:

This paper describes the similarities and differences between these two classic films and explains why "Mildred Pierce", through the use of the femme fatale, a theme of betrayal and hopelessness and the use of flashbacks is the epitome of film noir while "On the Waterfront" actually breaks away from that genre, even though it shares some of the standard film noir qualities.

From the Paper:

"Both movies possess the theme of family dynamics. In "Mildred Pierce" there is the element of a mother-daughter relationship as well as a forbidden affair between Mildred's second husband and her spoiled daughter from her first marriage, Veda. Sexual tension and melodrama runs throughout the movie: between Mildred and her first husband Bert; between Bert and Maggie Biederhof; between Mildred and second husband, Monte Beragon; between Mildred and her business partner and long-time friend, Wally Fay; and between Veda and Monte. In 'On the Waterfront," the family dynamics is between the two brothers, Terry and Charley Malloy, however, the family dynamics also extends to the loyalty between the dock workers. As far as sexual relationships, there is only one and that is between Terry and Edie, the sister of a slain dock worker."

More papers on Film Noir:

• Essay # 89430 : "Casablanca as Film Noir"
• Film Review # 121279 : "Film Noir in "Double Indemnity"
• Essay # 73405 : "Film Noir"
• Research Paper # 61789 : "Women in Film Noir"

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