Black & White & Noir

This insightful book examines the interplay of race and noir, providing a cultural history of America through various media, including film and literature.

In Black & White & Noir, Paula Rabinowitz delves into the intricate relationship between race, ethnicity, and the noir genre, presenting a cultural history of twentieth-century America. Through a series of episodic readings of films, photographs, and literature, the book examines how noir serves as a lens to explore America's darker social realities. It highlights the noir sensibility found in diverse media, including Office of War Information photography, women's experimental films, and African-American literature, revealing how these forms reflect the complexities of American life.

Rabinowitz argues that noir is not merely a cinematic style, as seen in classics like The Maltese Falcon and The Big Sleep, but also a powerful vehicle for social and political commentary. By analyzing key works and figures, including the Starr Report and movies like Double Indemnity, she uncovers the ways in which film noir articulates modern America's struggles with its violent history, particularly regarding racial and class tensions. The book invites readers to consider how these narratives have shaped cultural perceptions and continue to resonate today.

Additionally, Black & White & Noir explores unexpected themes such as the significance of stilettos, the secret language of 1950s girls regarding their mothers' pasts, and the provocative photography of Esther Bubley. Through these explorations, Rabinowitz sheds light on the multifaceted nature of noir and its role in reflecting and challenging societal norms, making this an essential read for anyone interested in the intersections of culture, race, and media.