A few readers have said that my stuff is neo-noir. I like the label but I'm not sure it's accurate. Even if the tone can be cynical and the ending not completely satisfying, I like my protagonists to "get away with it"... but then I think of "Body Heat" and Maddie definitely gets what she wants, sooooo....?
Do you think noir has to have a crime? I've written a few stories that doesn't have a criminal in it, but it is dark and full of losers. Books/movies like Fat City and Day of the Locusts are noir to me, but others might think differently.
That's a very good point. Things like Nelson Algren's Walk On The Wild Side & Man With The Golden Arm are very noir. And The Lowlife by Alexander Baron.
A few readers have said that my stuff is neo-noir. I like the label but I'm not sure it's accurate. Even if the tone can be cynical and the ending not completely satisfying, I like my protagonists to "get away with it"... but then I think of "Body Heat" and Maddie definitely gets what she wants, sooooo....?
"noir is a taste that’s as black and bitter as an espresso or a shot of moonshine-whisky... "
Coming from Appalachia, this line makes me homesick. And wanting a cup of coffee.
Very good Paul!
Do you think noir has to have a crime? I've written a few stories that doesn't have a criminal in it, but it is dark and full of losers. Books/movies like Fat City and Day of the Locusts are noir to me, but others might think differently.
That's a very good point. Things like Nelson Algren's Walk On The Wild Side & Man With The Golden Arm are very noir. And The Lowlife by Alexander Baron.
Literary noir is someone crossing a line that can't be uncrossed.
Noir is the style I try emulate the most. Now, whether I hit that mark is another story. Hopefully a noir one...lol
Yeah, I usually screw it up by putting in a fart joke or something.
Lol… I might have to try that. Maybe I'll get more readers that way. Thanks for the advice.
Loved this
Thanks!
"Or the social realism of Brit Grit..."
Yes please.