The Killers is a classic and cutthroat artistic masterpiece with a tweak turn of events produced and directed in 1946 by Robert Siodmak and Mark Hellinger respectively (The Killers). This 103 minutes American film noir is regarded as one of the most successful motion pictures of all times ,and this is attributed to the preservation of the story behind one of the most organized Hollywood crime dramas empathizing crime scenes and sexual motivations. This Hollywood crime drama is particularly based on a 1927 short story by Ernest Hemingway, and the film plot revolves around William Conrad and Charles McGraw who fights their way into a small town to kill and aging boxer by the name Burt Lancaster. The movie not only tells the story but also act as a yardstick which defines typical noir conventions (Telotte, 23).
The Killers (1946) portrays one of the best opening progressions of any film noir, and just like other American noir films it describes a stylistic Hollywood crime drama which emphasizes cynical crime behaviours and sexual inspirations. Like majority of other Hollywood’s classical film noirs, this film was produced in the year 1946, during a phase of film noirs production ranging between the early 1940s to the late 1950s. In terms of themes, this film defines typical noir conventions by adopting elements of crime and robbery, double cross, betrayal, and unrequited love (The Killers). Most of the themes are addressed by describing different approaches and general similarities in the mode in which characters have been described in the movie and one would say that the theme in the noir films appears to create a clear and thematic approach which is more credible and pragmatic (Telotte 79). Therefore, it can be concluded to be right that various thematic element and issues play a significant role in defining typical noir convention films. Though these themes could be different for each film noirs, the The Killers (1946) has comprehensively tried to deal with the contemporary and existing issues that are faced in this modern life. This film also defines typical film noir conventions by providing a leeway for nuanced theatrical characterizations consisting of various memorable performances that engages actors screen personality, for example in the scene where the film protagonists emerges in a diner to kill the old character performed by Burt Lancaster. Though the film exhibits best crime and romantic scenes, like other noirs or cycles of Americans films produced between 1940s and 1950s, it fails to bring out personal stories only presenting the darker elements of modernity such as the consequences of criminal acts such as murder (Telotte 187). The use of flashbacks is also dominant in The Killers (1946), and this is portrayed as a narrative device common in American noir films which establishes fatalistic approach to story and character. This film consists of multiple flashbacks that form the main plot of the movie, which is based on the short story by Ernest Hemingway. Like other film noirs, the origin of The Killers (1946) is entirely based on post World War 2 trauma, most specifically the manifestation of desperation, fear, and solitude among the Americans. The film also portrays a genre common with film noirs entailing presence of a male protagonist, who falls victim of a scheming femme-fatale (Telotte 189).In conclusion, this film is a true masterpiece which defines a typical noir convention.
Works Cited
Siodmak Robert (Producer) & Hellinger Mark (Director/). The Killer. New York: Universal Pictures.1946.
Telotte, J. P. Voices in the Dark: The Narrative Patterns of Film Noir. Illinois: University of Illinois Press.1988.Print.
