As Noirvember slowly draws to a close, I thought I would take this opportunity to discuss my personal top 5 erotic Neo-Noir films which are totally worth checking out if you need to heat things up during these cold winter nights. For those unfamiliar with the term “Neo-Noir” it refers to a revival of the film noir genre in the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s and into the 80s and 90s (it was during this time period that saw the relaxation of censorship in Hollywood and a change in societal norms).
Neo-Noirs are an evolutionary step up from the Film Noir movies of the classical Hollywood era, as they usually are sexually explicit in nature and more relaxed in their portrayal of sex, drugs and violence. Although I adore the Noirs of the classical Hollywood era, there’s something hypnotic and thrilling about the Neo-noir movement. These films aren’t always considered masterpieces of the Film Noir genre but they are a snapshot of a time where filmmakers well and truly embraced the act of voyeurism.
These films were in the mainstream, aimed at an adult audience and often featured characters who placed their goal of seeking pleasure before anything else. There may be some obvious Neo-Noirs missing from this list, so please let me know what your personal favourites are in the comments below, I would also love to have your recommendations as well!
Body Heat (1981) Dir. Lawrence Kasdan
Kathleen Turner has never looked so smouldering hot. Here in Kasdan’s directorial debut, Turner gets the opportunity to steal the show from under the nose of William Hurt. She plays Matty Walker, a Femme Fatale who isn’t only incredibly intelligent but is also incredibly attractive and is fully in control of her sexuality. Hurt plays Ned Racine, a sleazy lawyer, who gets drawn into the world of Matty Walker and ends up falling under her spell. As always, foul play naturally occurs as Matty devises a plan to bump off her wealthy husband. With a smooth soundtrack by John Barry and cinematography by Richard H. Kline, which happens to embrace every aspect of the male gaze, “Body Heat” is truly worth a watch if you need something to get you through these harsh cold winter nights. A cold shower after viewing is strongly advised.
The Postman Always Rings Twice (1981) Dir. Bob Rafelson
Although, I am a massive fan of the 1946 version of James M. Cain’s classic Noir novel, there is something pulpy and fun about this 1981 remake starring Jessica Lange and Jack Nicholson. Lange plays Cora, a woman who owns a diner with her much older Greek husband. One day a drifter named Frank Chambers enters her life and the two of them begin a lust filled affair, which of course leads to the two of them conspiring to commit murder. According to IMDb, the film’s most notorious scene (the ‘on-the-kitchen-table sex scene between Jessica Lange and Jack Nicholson) was considered so realistic at the time, that many of the audience members believed it was real and not just simulated sex between the two actors. Both Lange and Nicholson along with the director and cinematographer Sven Nykvist have denied that this was the case, and have stated that only the four of them were present during the filming of the scene. However, Nicolson hasn’t denied the fact that he was indeed ‘smitten’ with Lange at the time of filming.
Basic Instinct (1992) Dir. Paul Verhoeven
You can’t have a list of sizzling erotic Neo-Noir films without including Verhoeven’s “Basic Instinct”. The film follows San Francisco police detective Nick Curran (played by Michael Douglas), who is investigating the brutal murder of a wealthy rock star. During the investigation, Curran becomes in a superheated relationship with the prime suspect, Catherine Tramell (played by the drop dead gorgeous Sharon Stone), an enigmatic writer. Probably best known for that scene, “Basic Instinct” still remains incredibly controversial to this day for numerous reasons, including it’s problematic portrayal of bisexuality. Upon the film’s release, members of the lesbian and bisexual activist group LABIA protested against it. Regardless of it’s controversy, the film has remained a cult favourite and has seared itself into the mind of many teenage boys growing up in the 90s.
The Last Seduction (1994) Dir. John Dahl
“The Last Seduction” is a whole lotta fun to watch. Linda Fiorentino is phenomenal as the lead character, Bridget Gregory. She’s a complex character who does whatever she pleases and whatever she wants, she gets. Bridget manages to get her doctor husband (Bill Pullman) to sell medicinal cocaine to some drug dealers and then automatically takes off with the money in the pursuit of a better life. She ends up hiding in a small town, but her husband Clay keeps sending goons after her to retrieve the money. However, Bridget isn’t one to give up easily, and when she meets Mike Swale (Peter Berg), a naïve local who is blinded by her beauty and directness, she devises a scheme to get rid of Clay once and for all. As a character, Bridget is intelligent, quick-witted and uses her sex appeal to get what she wants. It’s somewhat refreshing to see such a strong, well-written female character managing to wrap hapless men around her finger.
Gone Girl (2014) Dir. David Fincher
“Gone Girl” is an excellent take on how easy the media can be manipulated especially when it concerns a pretty woman as the topic of conversation. Rosamund Pike is just magnificent as the sociopathic Amy Dunne, a woman who weaves her own murder mystery narrative in order to seek revenge on her cheating husband Nick (played by the wonderfully cast Ben Affleck). After Amy mysteriously disappears on their anniversary, Nick suddenly finds himself thrusted into the spotlight of the media and becomes the victim of a show trial. At first, we are suspicious of Nick especially when we have Amy’s voiceover narration describing the decline of their happy marriage, but then we discover that Amy isn’t as innocent as she lets on. Although, not as erotic as the other films mentioned on this list, Amy Dunne is such a great manipulative and cunning character that it’s hard not to include this film on my list.
All photos are from IMDb.