Tech-Noir: The Fusion of Science Fiction and Film Noir [Hardcover]

Paul Meehan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 28, 2008 | ISBN-10: 0786433256 | ISBN-13: 978-0786433254

This critical study traces the common origins of film noir and science fiction films, identifying the many instances in which the two have merged to form a distinctive subgenre known as Tech-Noir. From the German Expressionist cinema of the late 1920s to the present-day cyberpunk movement, the book examines more than 100 films in which the common noir elements of crime, mystery, surrealism, and human perversity intersect with the high technology of science fiction. The author also details the hybrid subgenre's considerable influences on contemporary music, fashion, and culture.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Paul Meehan has also written on UFOs in cinema, and worked as an editor and writer for the National Sports Review. He lives in San Francisco.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: McFarland (April 28, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786433256
• ISBN-13: 978-0786433254
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,994,347 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Where film noir meets science fiction, October 27, 2008

By 

Neal C. Reynolds (Indianapolis, Indiana) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tech-Noir: The Fusion of Science Fiction and Film Noir (Hardcover)

I can't beieve nobody's reviewed this yet. It's a must for eeveryne interested in either film noir or science ficion movies. Both genres had their origin in German Expressionism and the author postulates that tich-noir existed long before film noir, while still part of the expressionist era, the first such film released in 1916.I find his entire premise arguable, but it makes for terrific reading bringing back to mind many movies I loved and suggesting many I've missed. Of course, any book of this type is going to have arguable omissions and will include films that many will find questionable. In my case I can't understand why KISS ME DEADLY didn't get any more than a few passing mentions. And while I understand that ATTACK OF THE 50 FOOT WOMAN fits the definition, I thought it got more space than necessary.However, the above is mere quibbling on my part and doesn't detract from my feeling that this is a mementous work. I quite agree with his inclusion of several Boris Karloff movies, because several of his including the Frankenstein movies were actually closer to science fiction than to horror in that Karloff often portrayed a scientist delving into unorthodox researches.Naturally BLADE RUNNER is one of the most analyzed films in the book. DARK CITY is another that receives a lot of space and deservedly so. I won't argue the inclusion of Tim Burton's BATMAN but am puzzled that Christopher Nolan's BATMAN BEGINS (2005) was ignored while A SCANNER DARKLY (2006) was mentioned.So yes, I find little faults with this work, but its value as a reference and the sheer fun of reading it for anyone who loves the two genres far outweigh any nitpicking. BTW, it is high priced, but I think it's definitely worth it, if only for the many beautiful stills reproduced in it.