Summary

The Golden Age of Hollywood has no shortage of treasures held in high critical regard.

This status begs the question: why?

Yet this thematic nesting doll is easily digestible; even entertaining.

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What Is the Film Noir Laura About?

To unconventionally complicate matters,McPherson becomes infatuated with Laura’s memory.

Unlike traditional film noir, McPherson doesn’t provideLaura’s moody narration.

Cast Placeholder Image

ExamineLauraand you’ll bleed.

The sting proves worthwhile.

Why Is Laura a Perfect Film Noir?

Leonardo DiCaprio in Shutter Island in front of masked figures from A Page of Madness

Joseph LaShelle’s camera variates between stalking movement and unnatural stillness.

The black and white paletteembraces the metaphorical nature of shadows.

Costumes trenchcoats, gowns, double-breasted suits suggest elegance without being showy.

A standing Ann Treadwell (Judith Andrews) looks down at a sitting Laura Hunt (Gene Tierney) in Laura

Image via 20th Century Fox

Hovering above it all croons a dreamily romantic jazz composition byDavid Raksin.

Lydecker gets the most combative quips, and filtered through Clifton Webb’s blistering delivery, they’re irresistible.

When questioned about his arrogance, Lydecker disdainfully purrs: “In my case, self-absorption is completely justified.

I have never found any other subject quite so worthy of my attention.”

Male Obsession Is Lauras True Villain

Lydecker’s statement disregards his greatest passion: Laura.

Toxic obsessions require an image, anda portrait of the titular heroine becomes one ofLaura’s recurring motifs.

It captures her beauty in oils and sets her on display, idealized and silent, for the admirer.

Such a glamorous and unrealistic image clashes with the Laura introduced by Lydecker’s flashbacks.

After a disastrous first encounter, Laura dismisses Lydecker’s contrite apologies.

Granting this man space would mean surrendering her dignity.

Don’t even give a shot to understand what’s bubbling under the surface of this one.

Instead, Laura concedes.

Unlikethe femme fatales of noir lore, Laura doesn’t seduce Lydecker.

Her tenacity captivates him, and he sees something he can mold into his preferred image.

Laura’s trusting naivety lets him.

Slowly but surely,the charmingly nasty man whose introspective narration opensLaurareveals his psychological contamination: henceLaura’sthriller classification.

Lydecker’s so-called affection for Laura disguises his intense possessiveness and unfulfilled sexual desire.

He isolates her into a virtuous paragon who’s responsive to his beck and call.

He craves Laura, yet can never own her every aspect.

She belongs to no one.

But is he guilty of murder?

No one here is an angel not even Laura, which is rather the point.

She’s a cipher reflecting others' desires.

Despite the power of her portrait,Laura is no seductive villain.

She’s measured by her universal empathy and a morality verging on self-sacrificial.

Although flawed,she isn’t punished by the film.

Laura rises from secretary to executive on her own merits.

She exists in between, an intentional rarity.

Which is the “problem”: an ambitious woman who’s kind, generous, and sexually active?

Almost everyone within Laura’s circle finds something about her to critique.

She represents how claustrophobically exhausting and dangerous it is when women challenge restrictions.Laura’s empowerment demands a cost.

By courting ambition, Laura courts death.

Playing an individual who’s also a walking fable about feminine oppression,Gene Tierney threads a fine needle.

A calm surface belies the turbulent waters underneath.

Tierney plays arch when men cross Laura’s boundaries and defiant when ordered to heel.

When she’s cornered, Laura snarls, breathing unsteadily but refusing to flinch.

And yet, Laura wears her heart on her sleeve.

He’s understated, he’s disarming, and his performance seamlessly merges with the film’s framework.

Even when you know the wild twist,Laurais one of the rare experiences that improves with time.

Laurais available to rent on Prime Video in the U.S.

Watch on Prime Video