Mystery film
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Mystery film is a sub-genre of the more general category of crime film. It focuses on the efforts of the Detective, private investigator or amateur sleuth to solve the mysterious circumstances of a crime by means of clues, investigation, and clever deduction. The successful mystery film often conceals the identity of the perpetrator until late in the story, then adds an element of suspense during the apprehension of the suspect.
Undoubtedly the most famous of the amateur detectives to reach the silver screen was Sherlock Holmes. He first appeared in 1903, and has been portrayed by a multitude of actors. Other famous sleuths include Charlie Chan and Hercule Poirot.
Following World War II, film noir came into style and proved a popular medium for the professional hired detective, or private eye. Humphrey Bogart was particularly notable for playing this role, including Sam Spade in The Maltese Falcon.
Suspense is often maintained as an important plot element. This can be done through the use of the sound track, camera angles, heavy shadows, and surprising plot twists. Alfred Hitchcock used all of these techniques, but would sometimes allow the audience in on a pending threat then draw out the moment for dramatic effect.
Until at least the 1980s, women in mystery films have often served a dual role, providing a relationship with the detective and frequently playing the part of woman-in-peril. The women in these films are often resourceful individuals, being self-reliant, determined and as often duplicitous. They can provide the triggers for the events that follow, or serve as an element of suspense as helpless victims.
Mystery films
- The Thin Man (1934)
- The Thirty-Nine Steps (1935)
- Charlie Chan at the Opera (1936)
- The Saint Strikes Back (1939)
- Rebecca (1940)
- The Maltese Falcon (1941)
- The Falcon Takes Over (1942)
- Sherlock Holmes Faces Death (1942)
- Farewell, My Lovely (1944)
- Gaslight (1944)
- Laura (1944)
- Murder My Sweet (1944)
- The Big Sleep (1946)
- Strangers on a Train (1951)
- Vertigo (1958)
- Charade (1963)
- Klute 1971)
- Murder on the Orient Express (1974)
- Blade Runner (1982)
- Devil in a Blue Dress (1995)
References
- Ted Sennett, Great Hollywood Movies, 1986, ISBN 0-8109-8075-4.