Let me start by saying, I have always enjoyed Denzel Washington’s performances. I have also never heard of a film being described at “neo-noir” so I didn’t really know what to expect from this film. I also didn’t know Carl Franklin directed one of my new favorite limited series, Dahmer that is currently extremely popular on Netflix. Once I found that out by looking him up on letterboxd before watching the film, I had extremely high expectations and hope for enjoyment of this film. It seemed already stacked before I even began. Now into the actual film itself. I always appreciate a film with voice over that offers you an insight into a character’s mind. I feel it provides a deeper understanding of what the film is trying to say. I think it connects me more to a character. I also love period piece films so much. One of my dreams in life is to act in a period piece. One of my favorite aspects of this film was how much the environment the actors were in played an important role in this film. I think the locations added so much to this film and really boosted it overall. This film throws you in many directions with one plot line throwing you into another which kept me heavily invested. While this film seems like your run of the mill thriller, mystery, noir, it offers a heavier message with its depiction of racial issues and injustice present in the time period. The ending provided me a warm feeling with completion and I really enjoyed this film.
In reply to Caroline McKenzie
Re: Devil In a Blue Dress- Caroline McKenzie
Glad you liked it, and very happy to see you do a little pre-research before watching it. In these responses, I'd like for you to focus a little more on the the film's place in the bigger picture of African American cinema. Imagine yourself in a 1990s audience. What is significant about this film? This director? How does it fit into Denzel's career?