Brief Wander through the Filmic Martini

The successful reception of the previous entry suggested a [rather banal] literary conceit to Mama [pauvre Mama].

"Mercury," she inquired, "why not follow the Chilblaines & Kid Gloves in Literature entry with something like the Martini in Film [& Literature]? Wouldn't that make a good follow-up-- a sort of thematic approach to your little blog?"

I listened to Mama's request & appeared to give my thoughtful consideration to her recommendation. [I noted the "little blog" crack, simply too pitiful to answer.] However, I decided to humor her:

"Shaken not stirred," said James Bond. How familiar is that bon mot! Almost a slogan for James Bond in film & print. The Nick & Nora films plots are driven by that shaken libation.

Here's one you may not be aware of [admittedly, nor was I] : the 1928 film, "Dry martini." Starring Mary Astor [a beautiful woman & personal favorite], it was directed by Argentinian Harry d'Abbadie d'Arrast . A paeon to the dry martini? I shall view it & report.

The martini in film noir[along with ever-present cigarette smoke] is a powerful signifier of sophistication. [film noir is discussed in January 20/21, 2007]

As a sophisticate myself, I excell in the art of preparing a cold, crisp Vodka [ gin, by special request] Martini. Papa et Mama each endeavored to instruct me; it was a case of the student quickly outpacing the teachers. I may also prepare water cress & cucumber sandwiches upon request. Here I offer pictorial evidence of my special acumen--an ice cold martini; one could skate across the top:

Annoyingly, Papa, after reading a draft of today's entry, also chimed in with a concept: "Mercury, why not follow this entry with one about dogs in film [& literature], focusing on the relationship of dogs with children?" As if this blog were based on themes rather than aesthetic whims and literary inspiration. The creative dog is misunderstood in the world of humans.

And I plan to abandon the thematic approach, leaving on a high note. [i.e. this entry & for more on the martini, click the subject heading below].

No More Themes/ "No More Twist," remarked the talented non-humans in one of my favorite novels The Tailor of Gloucester [novel by Beatrix Potter].

[Re]Noir

Below, as promised in yesterday's entry, my Top Five list of Best Film Noir. Go to Imdb for complete information such as stars & directors, synopses, awards, etc.: http://www.imdb.com/

The Third Man

Perhaps the Perfect Movie; without peer. The Third Man wins highest honors on the Mercury Rating evaluation system.

Sweet Smell of Success

Burt Lancaster, Tony Curtis and the Chico Hamilton Quartet. No word wasted. Marred only by its sappy ending. Watch this film; but listen too. Sweet Smell of Success wins an Honorary First on the Mercury Rating evaluation system.

Double Indemnity

This one frightened me to death. The film's first line, "Well, hello there Mr. Neff," belies Double Indemnity's nervous tension. But read the book, by James M. Cain, for an even more devastating ending.

Sunset Boulevard

This film contains all the elements of film noir; and extras like a dead monkey residing in its white casket. Note: Jack Webb, of Dragnet [the TV show] fame, plays Artie Green.

Laura

Cocktail film noir. The tag line: "The story of a love that became the most fearful thing that ever happened to a woman!" I simply adore this film.

Noir

Film Noir

stands alone as my preferred film genre. From the devasting, cynicism of "Sweet Smell of Success" ["match me, Sydney"] to the debonaire, almost gay murder mystery "Laura," film noir exemplifies the edgy paranoia of the 2nd half of the 20th century &, presciently, exposes the shadowy underbelly of the infotaining postmodern 21st.

I'm posting these photos early Saturday morning as a sort of trailer of what's to come: an annotated list of a few of the Great Film Noir According to Mercury.

Please visit my blog tomorrow to learn which films make the cut, which are required viewing, and which win the Mercury Rating Award for Best Film Noir.