Kerry wrote:
>> "..noir does not represent the tragic view of
the universe. Tragedy is the failure to transcend specific
human circumstance, usually character flaws, but allows the
romantic view that such transcendence is not only possible,
but desirable. Noir precludes the possibility of
transcendence, and questions the desirability of attempts to
do so. As Jack said: "Screwed," rendering efforts to unscrew
ourselves comic.
Comic isn't the same as humourous, but humour does seem to me
a characteristic of noir. My question is: is it essential?
<<
* * *
I really like this more finely parsed distinction between
noir and traditional tragedy, especially "rendering efforts
to unscrew ourselves as comic." I think it follows that you
actually could substitute
"ironic" for "comic" and then, the answer to your question is
yes, irony, whether it's humourous or sad, is an essential
characteristic of noir.
Best, Bruce
Bruce Makous Author, Riding the Brand
www.brucemakous.com
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