For my last column, I have decided to cover the sensational film noir titled “Out of The Past” (1947). Film noir is a subgenre that includes elements of crime, thriller and mystery. There are many defining plots and characteristics, with a common visual characteristic being the use of expressive black-and-white cinematography.
Another important element of Film Noir is the femme fatale. A femme fatale is a character who seems to ooze femininity and seduction. However, her intentions are never purely to fall in love, as femme fatales often have manipulative qualities.
A great example of this subgenre is “Out of The Past.” The film deals with a former private eye, Jeff (Robert Mitchum) who has retired and now runs a gas station. His past comes back to haunt him and he is forced to do one more job for his former employer. He meets his old flame, Kathie (Jane Greer) who is as cunning and dangerous as she was when they met.
The cast does a wonderful job overall, with Mitchum and Greer performing very well as the main duo. The supporting cast also does well, with an early appearance from Kirk Douglas as the employer.
Greer’s character is the perfect example of a femme fatale. Kathie knows exactly what she wants and will stop at nothing to get it. Kathie manipulates Jeff in many ways to run from all of her past misdeeds.
“Out of The Past” has a good script attached to it, which is no surprise because film noirs are known for witty one-liners. A great example happens during an afternoon drive between Jeff and his new sweetheart Ann. As Jeff recounts the story of him and Kathie and how conniving she is, Ann says: “She can’t be all bad. No one is,” to which Jeff replies, “Well, she comes the closest.”
Another characteristic of film noirs is their amazing cinematography. “Out of The Past” has several notable scenes of cinematography. One scene to discuss is when Jeff and Kathie are together at a beach. The use of white light and music adds atmosphere to the scene and makes it interesting and immersive. One more scene that stands out is when Jeff and Kathie shelter themselves from rain in her house. The camera pans around the house and perfectly showcases the environment.
The film’s composer Roy Webb contributes a dramatic muscial score that only adds to the strong atmosphere. One moment that stands out is near the end, when tragedy strikes. The dramatic music adds tension and intensifies the moment.
Overall, “Out of The Past” is a cinematic masterpiece because of its twists and turns, moody cinematography and witty one-liners. I first saw this at the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive and I’m so glad I did because it opened my eyes to the dark world of film noir. This movie gets a 9 out of 10 from me!