Draft Zero: a screenwriting podcast DZ-124: Making the despicable compelling
How does Film Noir show us terrible people doing terrible things without endorsing it?
Mel and Chas continue to explore what Noir (the genre) can teach writers of all other genres. In particular:
- how to keep the audience on side of characters doing reprehensible things
- how to control your audience understanding of those reprehensible actions
- distinguishing between characters undergoing transformative arcs against discovering their true natures
In finding the common craft tools of Noir over 100 years, this Part 2 looks at two modern noirs - DEVIL IN A BLUE DRESS (1995) and WOMAN OF THE HOUR (2024) - after Part 1 looked at the classic DOUBLE INDEMNITY and THE LONG GOODBYE.
As always: SPOILERS ABOUND and all copyright material used under fair use for educational purposes.
Despite Chas claiming to have edited this episode it was, in fact, Chris Walker who saved the day and got this done. Thanks Chris.
CHAPTERS
00:00:00 - Using noir as a lens
00:01:56 - DEVIL IN A BLUE DRESS
00:31:33 - WOMAN OF THE HOUR
01:04:30 - Key Learnings
01:08:50 - Thank you Patreons!
LINKS
Shot Zero on the noir-set of noir shots in WOMAN OF THE HOUR
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