The Limey : Kick Arse, lad!

[Flangepart]

Just watched Terrance Stamp show some colonials a thing or two about pain. Stamp gives a subtle, hard edged performance, and should always be included in the catigory i call, "Sunshine Noir". I mean, Noir concepts that take place in California. Lots of good scenes in this one. Good lines too. Hummmm....come to think of it, any other films that ya' think might fit my definition? It seems that doing it in L.A. particulary fits the idea. "L.A. confidential" obviously. Any others?

[yaddo42]

I have a perfect film for your "sunshine noir" category. "Point Blank" from 1967 starring Lee Marvin and directed by John Boorman. It's set in San Francisco since Alcatraz figures into the plot. Depending on your take on it, it could also count as a modern ghost story of a sort That Mel Gibson movie "Payback" from a couple of years ago was a kind of a remake; both films are based on the same book, but it's the first film that people tend to admire. "Payback" just drained the style and attitude that made "Point Blank" work.

The only other film I can think of right off that fits your category would be "Marlowe" from 1969 with James Garner and Bruce Lee. I like that movie also, but it's very tame compared to what it could have been.

Check both out and see what you think.

[Flangepart]

Good call. "Point Blank" was great. Lee , as always, was  a guy not to "Bleep" around with. Haven't seen "Marlow" for some time, but i still remember the fight scene on the balcony....Wonder how B. Lee liked the end of that scene? "I do what?!"

[Lee]

Anybody here know where I can find a copy of Marlows? That would look good in the collection! Of course Lee Marvin doesn't "bleep" around. Not many Lee's do that. I happen to be one who does though. *grin*

[Neville]

Ok, I like your game, and I have not one but three flicks to add to your list:

1) Cop, by James B. Harris starring James Woods. Definitely not sunny, but it is a good adaptation of a great James Ellroy novel, "Blood on the moon" and everything takes place in L.A.. It is more a vehicle for Woods than anything else, but it is full of sex, violence, political incorrection and sarcasm.

2) Chinatown. Oh yes, that's a classic one! One of Jack Nicholson's best jobs and a nice retro-look. Yes, this one is sunny, also very difficult to follow and has one of the best endings I have never seen.

3) Elmore Leonard's Gold Coast: Direct-to-TV flick directed by Peter Weller!!
I don't like  Leonard's novels, and people expecting a Tarantino-like movie will be disappointed. However, I think it is very well directed, I like the simplicity of the plot and I can forgive its mistakes. Lots of sun here, and even some dolphins!

[Flangepart]

Thanks, Neville. Sounds like what i had in mind. Yeah, Noir is an additude as mutch as a look, and you can be very dark in La La land. Speaking of Noir, ever seen "Rafififi"? its a B&W 1955 flick about a jewel histe, and this French flick has a lot to offer. Check it out! Nice DVD.