Out of the Past (1947)
Released by RKO
Director: Jacques Tourneur
Screenwriter: Geoffrey Homes (pseudonym of Daniel Mainwaring)
Historical context
Out of the Past is one of a number of similar films that emerged in the American cinema during the postwar years. These films portrayed the seamy underside of contemporary life in a relentlessly pessimistic fashion. Known collectively as film noir (French for “dark film”), this genre was typified by low budget, black and white dramas about doomed characters caught in a trap from which there is no escape. Director Jacques Tourneur had distinguished himself by directing a series of imaginative low budget horror films for producer Val Lewton at RKO, including The Cat People (1942) and I Walked With a Zombie (1943). The dark and moody cinematography he had made skillful use of in these films proved to be equally well suited for film noir.
Narrative context
The film’s plot is complex and convoluted, which is not unusual for film noir. Is it necessary to follow each and every twist and turn of the plot for the film to be effective? Why or why not?
Nearly half the film consists of an extended flashback. Why do you suppose this choice was made? Why not just tell the story chronologically?
How does the voice-over narration affect the narrative? How would your perception of the film be different without it?
What is the narrative function of the mute boy, Jimmy?
Aesthetic context
Film noir is known for extensive use of low key lighting. What are some specific examples of the creative use of low key lighting in Out of the Past?
Generic context
One of the most common elements of film noir is the use of dangerous female characters. In what ways are we told that Kathie Moffett is dangerous even before we see her behave in a treacherous manner?
Love in film noir is almost always perverse. In what way is the love between Kathie and Jeff perverse?
Film noir is usually associated with black and white cinematography. Would Out of the Past be as effective if it had been made in color?
What are some more recent films that have drawn upon the film noir tradition?
