I’m beginning to think that the best use for this space may just be posting screencaps from classic Film Noir. Because man, did they know how to LIGHT back then.
Ann Dvorak gunning for her own brother in Scarface, 1932
Some things about Scarface feel a bit creaky to us today (like the wobbly “Mama Mia” Italian accents). But still, it really is a must-see. Paul Muni in the title role is terrific—sasquatch with a Tommy-gun.
Scarface himself, Paul Muni
The film opens with a complex 3:20 tracking shot that must’ve been on Scorcese’s mind while doing Goodfellas’ famous Copacabana entrance scene.
And here’s This Gun for Hire, 1942:
Veronica Lake shares a tender moment with barricaded gunman Alan Ladd
I swear that once upon a time I saw a book on film noir titled “A dame, a gun, and a double-cross,” but Google is failing me here. If that doesn’t actually exist, it ought to. Anyway I regret to report that in this scene, it’s Toughie the cat who gets double-crossed; and although Alan Ladd doesn’t quite believe it, it turns out Veronica Lake is on the level.
Also: Veronica Lake. Wow.
2-Perf Mind 