Naive Fool or Cold-Hearted Cynic?

“You’re just doing that!”

This was a statement that my siblings and I would say to each other when we would question each other’s motives or intentions. It was a kid’s way of saying, “You’re faking.” So I guess when it came to our relationship with each other, we were a bit cynical.

Ever hear of the term “film noir”? I’ve heard it plenty of times but never really knew what it was. When I first heard it, I thought it must refer to movies that are dark. Some of them are of course, but I didn’t have the definition quite right.

As we all know, movies were still a very new thing in the 20’s and 30’s. During this time most films were either heart-warming stories with happy endings, musicals, or some kind of epic tale. In the 40’s, movie characters and plots got a little cynical. There were often private eyes or some kind of character who was getting to the bottom of something and had to question other characters’ motives. Much of the time, sexual motives were either presumed or turned out to be the culprit. was one of the earliest classic film noir movies.

Cynicism is a good thing, but only in small doses. It’s the same with its opposite disposition: naivete. A lot of cynicism leads to becoming a grumpy old crank. A lot of naivete leads to being trampled on and embarrassment. The only thing that gives either any value is wisdom. None of us can just summon the perfect amount of wisdom that gives us the perfect answer at all times, but we can do our best to avoid shutting out either voice. I’ve found one of my closest allies in this process is silence. Holding the tongue and giving the mind a few minutes. Works like a charm.

Congratulations This is your week.

Best Actress: Barbara Stanwyck in

Best Actor: Both Orson Welles and Humphrey Bogart are screen legends. In this line-up, I prefer Bogart in Best Quote: “I know what gold does to men’s souls.” — Howard in

Here’s a quick rating of the few film noirs I’ve seen:

😊 THUMBS UP: Both and I really enjoyed these movies and I believe they hold up the test of time.

😞THUMBS DOWN: — Even though the great Orson Welles directed this one, it has Charlton Heston playing a Mexican man. Pretty ridiculous.

😊 THUMBS UP: . — It’s creepy, and in a good way. Just watched it this week and loved it.

😞THUMBS DOWN: — This one is a classic, so don’t take my word for it.  See it yourself. But for me Gloria Swanson’s performance is too much to take (though iconic nonetheless).

😊 THUMBS UP: — This one is more of an homage to film noir, but it fits the genre and is an awesome flick.

😞THUMBS DOWN: — Again, this one is classic, and I do believe I need to rewatch it. But I just didn’t get it.

And to the country that was a huge influence and source of many classic film noir movies, you’re in our prayers France.

Paris Je T’aime (2006) starring Natalie Portman, Juliette Binoche and Steve Buscemi. Directed by Gérard Depardieu.