New School of Crime Films

The New School of Crime Films examines key developments in crime cinema from the 1960s through the early 1970s. Film historian William K. Everson tracks the emergence of a grittier, more morally ambiguous approach to the genre during this period. The book analyzes major works from directors like Jean-Pierre Melville, Don Siegel, and Sam Peckinpah, examining their techniques and innovations in crime storytelling. Through close readings of films and interviews with filmmakers, Everson documents how technical advances in cinematography and editing enabled new ways to depict criminal underworlds. Everson's research reveals how shifting social attitudes and industry changes influenced crime cinema's evolution beyond traditional noir formulas. His analysis places these films within their historical context while illustrating their lasting impact on the genre. The study demonstrates how this wave of films redefined crime cinema by confronting cultural anxieties of the era and questioning conventional morality. Their complex treatment of violence, law, and justice established templates that continue to influence filmmakers.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of William K. Everson's overall work: Readers consistently praise Everson's deep knowledge and research, with many noting his ability to discuss technical film details while remaining engaging for non-experts. His book "American Silent Film" receives particular attention for its comprehensive coverage and clear explanations of early film techniques. What readers liked: - Clear, accessible writing style that balances academic analysis with readability - Extensive use of specific examples and frame captures to illustrate points - Thorough coverage of lesser-known films and performers What readers disliked: - Some books contain outdated information due to their publication dates - Limited availability of certain titles, leading to high secondhand prices - Occasional focus on obscure films at the expense of major works Ratings across platforms: Amazon: Average 4.6/5 across all books (127 reviews) Goodreads: "American Silent Film" - 4.3/5 (89 ratings) "The Art of W.C. Fields" - 4.4/5 (23 ratings) One reader noted: "Everson writes with authority but never talks down to the reader." Another commented: "His passion for film history shines through every page."

The Art of Noir by Alain Silver This examination of film noir movie posters and marketing materials provides insight into how crime films were positioned and sold to audiences from 1940-1960.

Dark City: The Lost World of Film Noir by Eddie Muller The book documents noir films through rare photographs, production histories, and firsthand accounts from creators who shaped the genre.

Film Noir: The Dark Side of the Screen by Foster Hirsch This analysis tracks film noir's evolution from its roots in German Expressionism through its influence on modern crime cinema.

More Than Night: Film Noir in its Contexts by James Naremore The work explores film noir's connections to modernism, hard-boiled fiction, and post-WWII social conditions.

Film Noir and the Cinema of Paranoia by Wheeler Winston Dixon The book traces noir's development from the 1940s through neo-noir films of the present, examining its themes of alienation and social critique.

🎬 William K. Everson was not only an author but also a renowned film preservationist who saved hundreds of early American films from destruction through his private collection 📚 The book explores how crime films of the 1940s and 1950s moved away from the gangster-focused plots of the 1930s toward more psychological and noir elements 🎯 Everson personally knew many of the directors and actors he wrote about, giving him unique insights into the behind-the-scenes aspects of crime film production 🌟 The author maintained one of the largest private film collections in the world, with over 4,000 titles at the time of his death in 1996 🎥 The book contains detailed analysis of lesser-known crime films that were nearly lost to history, helping preserve knowledge of these works for future generations