German-born director Lang made his name directing films in that country in a style that would come to be known as German Expressionism, most notably the psychological crime thriller M and the silent classic Metropolis. Heavy on mood and featuring fantastical elements and strategic use of light and shadow, the genre would go on to heavily influence the American movies in the film noir genre. As the Nazi party came to power in the 1930s and began to threaten freedom of expression, Lang fled Germany for the United States. It only makes sense he went on to direct some of the best films of the noir genre.
Scarlet Street tells the story of an Everyman character named Christopher Cross (clever, eh?), a bank cashier played by Edward G. Robinson who is as loyal as he is timid. His wife is emotionally abusive and mocks his one creative outlet, his painting, which is amateur in every sense of the word but brings solace to his emotionally restrictive life. When he meets Kitty, a young woman who flirts with Chris and makes him feel alive again, he falls for her. He should know better though, because this is a film noir and Kitty is the ultimate femme fatale. Hearts are broken, reputations are ruined, and lessons are learned too late in this stylish and clever film.
Please make plans to join us on Thursday, November 19, at 7:00 p.m. as we screen Scarlet Street. Coffee, soft drinks, candy, and popcorn will be available free of charge, and David Nilsen will be leading a brief discussion after the film. We look forward to seeing you there.
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