Despite its sluggish start, The Big Clock turned out to be a very enjoyable experience (further enhanced by the fact I watched it with some friends!) that I unfortunately don't have that much to comment on ^_^''. I like the themes of being trapped by circumstances beyond your control, like life has it out for you, and the constant motif of clocks. *Do* we have too much time on our hands, or is there not enough to get things done?

Overall Rating: Just okay

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.

Phantom Lady was such a thrilling, wonderfully shot noir I'm at a loss of words when it comes to describing it. It's just damn good! It's got all the bells and whistles you'd expect; tense, atmospheric, haunting. A story of unfortunate circumstances, and things beyond our control. What really got me was the cinematography: quiet dark areas hidden in corners of the city, a man standing alone in a desolate train station, a looming shadow whose owner is just out of view. If you like stunning visuals and heart-racing plots, you need to see this one.