Noirvember Fever: 88 Film Noir Classics Under the Microscope

What drove a cinephile to watch and rate 88 film noir movies in a single thread?

In a corner of the web, an enthusiast embarked on a personal film noir marathon that became one of the most discussed lists in the genre. Over four years, he analyzed titles with sharp criteria, numerical scores, and irony that spared no one. The result: 88 movies analyzed, from undisputed classics to forgotten oddities, in an exercise in cinephilia that defies current cultural correctness.

The marathon that never ended

It started with a declaration of intent: to watch film noir for a month. But the project stretched into a thread of 275 responses active for nearly five years. The protagonist, a user whose nickname is etched in forum history, posted reviews with a direct style, making no concessions to political correctness. His ratings ranged from 4 to 10, with comments ranging from technical analysis to jabs at the modern industry. "Rififi (1955) is my favorite movie in the genre, tied with Sunset Boulevard," he stated, raising the bar for what he considers true film noir.

The reviews were not limited to well-known titles. Gems like "Panique" (1946) appeared, earning a 10/10, described as a "gaze into the loneliness and antiestéticar of strangers." There was also space for Spanish film noir, mentioning Francisco Rovira Veleta and his "El expreso de Andalucía," highlighting a school often ignored.

The debate on the limits of the genre

Not all participants agreed with the inclusions. While the author considered "Sweet Smell of Success" (1957) as film noir due to its atmosphere and dialogue, others pointed out that it strayed from the canons of classic noir. This tension between purists and eclectics ran through the entire thread. Some argued that only black-and-white films from the 40s and 50s deserved the label; others advocated for a broader definition, including psychological thrillers and crime melodramas.

Recommendation exchanges were constant. Titles like "The Lady from Shanghai" (1947) drew criticism for excessive runtime, while "Shadow of a Doubt" (1944) was praised for its tension. The community also shared interesting facts, such as Rita Hayworth's Spanish origin, born in Seville, or the influence of "The Third Man" (1949) on Coppola's films.

A phenomenon that repeats every November

Over time, the thread became an annual ritual. Every November, coinciding with "noirvember" — the month dedicated to film noir in Anglo-Saxon culture — the author revived it by adding new movies. Thus, the original list grew to 88 entries, although he admitted that his best picks were never mentioned: "Rififi, Le trou, Asphalt Jungle... and I leave out a lot." The recurring joke that "every month is noirvember" reflected the intensity of his devotion.

The gap with contemporary cinema

One recurring theme was the comparison with contemporary cinema. The author did not hesitate to label Marvel and DC blockbusters as "trash" and lamented the lack of current talent. These opinions, though bitter, found echoes among other participants who saw film noir as a refuge against Hollywood standardization. However, there were also dissenting voices, such as a user who claimed that "almost all movies from that era are filthy trash," sparking a mini-generational debate.

In short, this thread shows that film noir continues to generate passions, analysis, and controversy. More than a simple list, it is a document on how the cinematic canon is built from the grassroots. And, as its author said: "The worst part is that my best picks are not even mentioned." So the canon, for now, remains open.