Over the past 3 years worth of watching film noirs I find it hard to find one that's as tragic and worthfully dramatic as Sunset Boulevard.It presents a window to a long-gone era of Hollywood, the "creeping paralysis" of holding on to the past with all your might until your hands dig deep into its skin. Norma Desmond's mansion is not just a prison, it's a prison meant for no one. Every corner we're shown is horridly empty; a giant ballroom where musicians play the tango for a vacant waxed floor; overgrown vines slowly take over the exterior while dying palm trees sway in the wind. There is no escape, shown through Joe Gillis' attempts and his eventual assured doom. And with no escape comes no happy ending to this film. Also worth pointing out is the wonderful cinematography and its swelling soundtrack which really enhances its most emotional moments.

This is the first film noir I ever watched and got me hooked on the genre. From its (fittingly) dreamy orchestral score to its ever expanding murder plot, there's a lot to say abot Laura Hunt, both as the ill-fated dame and as her oh so hauntingly beautiful portrait. If you like murder plots and are looking to get into film noir, I definitely recommend watching it.

The Big Heat is one hell of a film... It's got everything, from dead wives and half-burnt faces all the way to the main protagonist going "Why I oughta...". Seeing Bannion's gradual decline from a decent father down to a revenge-seeking mess of a man is very entertaining. If you're looking for a crazier film noir, this one's bound to do ya good. No joke, I screamed, cried and laughed watching this film.

With its dark lighting, constant feeling of paranoia and a doomed finale felt from the very beginning, I Wake Up Screaming is truly the father of all noirs. Vicky's untimely demise is what launches the plot forward, yet it becomes almost like a background element as everything surrounding her murder starts to unravel in complex loops and tangled knots. This film is another good starting point for folks who are just getting into the genre.