Film 1701: Hollywood, Old and New

Course Introduction

• Course Director: Julianne Hough Field
• Focus of the Week: Exploration of film noir and the neo-noir thriller "Fatal Attraction" (1987)
• Director: Adrian Lyne
• Stars: Michael Douglas, Glenn Close

Background of "Fatal Attraction"

• Based on: James Deardon's 1980 short film "Diversion"
• Plot Summary: A married man has an affair with a woman who wants more than a one-night stand.

Reception and Controversy

• Success:
  • Highest-grossing film of 1987
  • Six Oscar nominations: Best Picture, Director, Adapted Screenplay, Film Editing, Best Actress (Glenn Close), Best Supporting Actress (Anne Archer)
• Critical Response:
  • Well-received but controversial
  • Familiar noir plot with a femme fatale character
  • Cautionary tale on sexual promiscuity and marital infidelity

Feminist Criticism

• Post-Feminism Context: Depiction of Alex (Glenn Close's character) seen as problematic
• Concerns:
  • Demonization of intelligent, independent career women
  • Alex's character is punished, while Dan is seen as a victim
  • Original role of Alex was changed to a more negative portrayal
  • Ending criticized for unnecessary violence against Alex
• Broader Implications:
  • More than just a film ending—a reflection of societal attitudes toward women

Neo-Noir Characteristics

• Definition:
  • "Neo-Noir" = New Noir
  • Blends elements of classical film noir with contemporary themes and styles
• Comparison with Revisionist Film Noir:
  • Neo-noir updates the genre but does not critically engage with it
  • Revisionist film noir critiques and subverts genre conventions

"Fatal Attraction" as Neo-Noir

• Classic Conventions:
  • Urban setting, archetypes (e.g., male drifter, femme fatale, good girl)
  • Social conflicts and powerlessness themes
• Updates and Modernization:
  • Reflects 1980s culture (fashion, social norms)
  • Gender conflict emphasized over class conflict

"Fatal Attraction" as Revisionist Film Noir

• Critique of Classic Noir:
  • Representation of women and femme fatales from a post-feminist perspective
  • Challenges the misogyny intrinsic to post-WWII noir films
• Cultural Context:
  • Reflects backlash against feminism in the 1980s
  • Incorporates the new wave of conservatism following the liberal 60s and 70s

Key Takeaways

• "Fatal Attraction" serves as both a neo-noir and a revisionist film noir
• The film's controversy lies in its portrayal of gender roles and the consequences of infidelity
• Reflects broader societal tensions and changes during the 1980s