1. The Last Seduction in Context
Neo noir
1994

2. Arrange these contextual factors into order of priority, with an example for each of your top five
A critique of capitalism – characters are obsessed with consumption
Mike’s generation: untouched by war, traditional masculine values reassessed, the AIDS era
The American Dream is further viewed with cynicism – on screen portrayal of America is often as a corrupt nation
The dark mood and sense of fate in classic noir is replaced by arch referencing of the past and playfulness – a sort of cinematic ‘dressing up’
Symbolism is a cinematic choice, rather than a necessity
The 80s had been the ‘Me generation’ where ‘greed is good’
The Hays Code has long been replaced with a ratings system
Society has become increasingly permissive in terms of sex, violence etc. on screen
The second wave of feminism in the 1970s had led to less inequality between sexes
Variation in sexuality was less of a taboo subject
Ethnic diversity had improved on screen since the civil rights movement of the 1960s

3. Neo-noir has less psychological depth than classic noir
By adapting the style of noir, directors engage in a game with audiences – rewarding those who identify deliberate references to the past
E.G?

4. Screen portrayal of America is often as a corrupt nation
Classic noir is all about atmosphere and a sense of urban paranoia suggested by European filmmakers but restrictions meant that any corruption must be punished. This has changed since the Nixon scandals in the 1970s
E.G?

5. No Hays Code means we can identify with amoral characters
Classic noir titillates us with a look at a seamy side of urban life but is bound by the imperative to portray ‘correct’ behaviour at the narrative conclusion. Neo noir can both titillate and allow us to actually enjoy Bridget’s actions.
E.G?

6. Neo-noir questions masculine identity but offers no certainties like classic noir
Sorry Mike
E.G?

7. Is there anything in The Last Seduction that seems dated to us twenty years on?
E.G?
Would the Trish subplot be played with more sympathy for the character today?