Film Noir - The Blue Dahlia (1946)

I chose to watch "The Blue Dahlia," by Raymond Chandler because its actually a thriller film itself, therefore it relates to the work we have been doing in class. Raymond Chandler himself is very famous for creating thriller stories.
I overall found the film very interesting, and the plot basically revolves around the death of a woman named Helen. Before Helen's death she admits that alcoholism caused the death of hers and a guy named George's son.
Within the opening credits, the mise-en-scene is black, with simple white typography for the credits. This has an almost classic effect, and obviously relates to the Noir black and white colouring.
The shot used is a simple mid-shot of the writing. Within the opening scenes there's a great close-up shot of a sign saying "Hollywood," which is a reference to the Hollywood movie scene, and signifies richness and fame. We soon gather throughout the story that most of the characters are actually rich themselves, and we can tell this from the there dress code, which is mostly very formal and glamorous wear. Also, there are classic symbols such as both genders drinking and smoking which shows of how much money they have. There's also a scene which involves a dinner party, which again indicates the type of rich life style they have. Therefore, this gives the film a very classic effect. The men and women are also very stereotypical of there genders, as the men are always seen drinking, smoking and very masculine. The women are also perceived as sex symbols, and yet almost innocent at the same time. For instance, there always shown dressed in expensive dresses and speaking in a propper manor, yet there never shown as being in charge. It's a very true picture of how life was among the rich in the 1940's.
There are also plenty of thriller signifiers used, such as there are plenty of scenes shot in the rain, which is a well known thriller signifier, as it gives of a sense of mystery. The music played throughout is also quite jazzy, and probably was the type of music people liked to listen to in the 1940's. Also, there's one scene which involves a window being blown open by the wind at night time, which connotes mystery and intensity. The types of shots used mainly involve plenty of mid-shots, especially really effective ones of people being shot while driving cars, as you can see the background moving behind them. This also allows you to see there facial expressions clearly and whats happening within the scene. There's also a nice over the head shots of the city behind them, which gives the film style and poise.
Overall, a very well made film by Raymond Chandler, which keeps you engaged with the film throughout.