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The Noir Western
Darkness on the Range, 1943–1962
by David Meuel
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Book Presentation:
Beginning in the mid–1940s, the bleak, brooding mood of film noir began seeping into that most optimistic of film genres, the western. Story lines took on a darker tone and western films adopted classic noir elements of moral ambiguity, complex anti-heroes and explicit violence.
The noir western helped set the standard for the darker science fiction, action and superhero films of today, as well as for acclaimed TV series such as HBO’s Deadwood and AMC’s Breaking Bad. This book covers the stylistic shift in westerns in mid–20th century Hollywood, offering close readings of the first noir westerns, along with revealing portraits of the eccentric and talented directors who brought the films to life.
About the Author:
The author of multiple books on film history, David Meuel has also published two books of poems, more than two dozen short stories, and hundreds of articles on subjects ranging from U.S. national parks to high technology. He lives in Gig Harbor, Washington.
Press Reviews:
Jackie Jones Award for the Best Film Noir Book—Classic Images
"At last, a film noir book this year worth recommending. The territory Meuel covers has not been written about at any kind of length before, especially in book form, so we get a fresh perspective on these films…significant…his analyses are intelligent, thoughtful, and to the point. Meuel is an excellent writer…insightful…will enlighten even the most well-read noir fan Few books actually break new ground, but this one does…a sharp, concise discussion on the films and what makes them noir"—Classic Images
"The ‘best film noir book’ of the year."—Examiner
"Recommended"—ARBA
"Excellent"—Western Clippings
"This book is both for scholars and film enthusiasts, especially fans of westerns and noirs. Meuel makes one want to discover or rediscover noir elements to add to their value in film culture"—Journal of American Culture
See the publisher website: McFarland & Co
> From the same author:
Silent Film's Last Hurrah (2023)
The Remarkable Movies of the Long 1928
by David Meuel
Subject: Silent Cinema
> On a related topic:
He Was Some Kind of a Man (2009)
Masculinities in the B Western
Universal Sound Westerns, 1929–1946 (2011)
The Complete Filmography
Non-Fiction Cinema in Postwar Europe (2024)
Visual Culture and the Reconstruction of Public Space
by Lucie Cesálková, Johannes Praetorius-Rhein, Perrine Val and Paolo Villa
Subject: Genre > Documentary
Film Noir Guide (2011)
745 Films of the Classic Era, 1940-1959
Hell-Bent for Leather (2025)
Sex and Sexuality in the Weird Western
by Kerry Fine, Michael K. Johnson, Rebecca M. Lush and Sara L. Spurgeon
Twisting in Air (2024)
The Sensational Rise of a Hollywood Falling Horse
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