An update about the online film discussions I mentioned in the last post. While I am putting together a module for classes, I wanted to kick
things off with a couple of informal sessions centred on 1940s-50s film noir. This
is how it will go:
– I upload a film and make it available through Google Drive.
– Those who are interested, mail me at jaiarjun@gmail.com so I can share the link.
– Watch the film. Make notes if you feel like it.
Preferably, don’t read detailed analyses of the film before our discussion. (When
I share the link, I will provide a basic synopsis along with points of interest
and what to look out for.)
– We get together on Zoom for an hour or two on a specific
date to talk about the film; I will try to provide some historical context,
recommendations for other related works and so on, but in my experience some of
the sharpest observations during such classes come from people who have watched
the film for the first time without preconceptions/too much contextual
information.


Since you mention Double Indemnity, I need to recommend Eight Perfect Murders, which I am currently listening to. A lot of people are mad because the author "spoils" a lot of mysteries (even more than eight) but my guess is that you have read all these books and watched all these movies anyway. Among the eight perfect murders are the ABC Murders, Strangers on a Train, Double Indemnity, Death Trap, The Red House Mystery, Malice Aforethought, The Secret History, The Drowner. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is also casually mentioned and the murderer revealed.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, check it out if you haven't already! I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks, Deepa. Will keep this in mind (though I haven't read a couple of the works you mention, so maybe I should stay away for now!)
DeleteWhat?! I am shocked. :) I feel like you're the kind of person who would casually mention the one murder mystery that A.A. Milne wrote (maybe you have read that one!) while the rest of us only associate him with Pooh and crew. I honestly had no idea.
DeleteI read the Tokyo Zodiac Murders after your mention here, and that would have been a good fit in Malcolm Kershaw's Perfect Murders list (he is the narrator of the book). Anyway, I look forward to your review someday.