The MoFo Top 100 Neo-noir Countdown

TRAILERS



In the Heat of the Night - A black Philadelphia police detective, mistakenly suspected of a local murder while passing through a racially hostile Mississippi town, pairs up with the white police chief to investigate the case.




The Manchurian Candidate - An American POW in the Korean War is brainwashed as an unwitting assassin for an international Communist conspiracy.

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Been a minute since I have seen either of these, and neither left much of an impression. But hey, I’m 4 for 4. That’s the only thing that matters, right? Getting those check marks.

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Letterboxd

Two great films. The Manchurian Candidate is my #13. *Somehow, In The Heat of The Night didn’t make my ballot, but probably should have.

Seen: 3/4

I saw In the Heat of the Night fairly recent and I really liked it, but it's been a while since I've seen The Manchurian Candidate. Seen it a couple of times, though, and I'm a fan. Should probably revisit it one of these days.

Both great films, but neither were on my list.

2/4

Have seen both and both are great films. Looking over my list, I really leaned into the more contemporary neo-noirs, so neither of these made it onto my ballot. Both are totally deserving of a slot, but just missed the cut.

2/4 Seen

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#98-97. Both are well known titles.
In the Heat of the Night been on my watch list for many years still not seen.
The other film somewhat smells too political to me that's why I've never planned to see it.

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"Population don't imitate art, population imitate bad television." W.A.
"You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus." M.T.

WHAT DID YOU THINK OF... IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT


The Noir 'net said:

Arun Starkey said:

@Gideon58 said:

WHAT DID YOU THINK OF... THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE?


Roger Ebert said:

Jude Seymour wrote:

@mark f said:

Gah, This thread will show my shameful lack of noir knowledge. I have seen neither. But both look good.

Both of these were on the MoFo Top 100 of the 1960s List. MISTER Tibbs and In the Heat of the Night (1967) were #76 while The Manchurian Candidate (1962) was passing the time with a game of solitaire at #34.

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"Film is a disease. When it infects your bloodstream it takes over as the number one hormone. It bosses the enzymes, directs the pineal gland, plays Iago to your psyche. As with heroin, the antidote to Film is more Film." - Frank Capra

Only saw In the Heat of the Night once. I didn't care for it back then. It should get another shot though someday.

Not seen Manchurian

For a minute I was asking how I could have left Manchurian Candidate off my ballot since I hadn't checked in a few weeks, but alas I had it at #12. Watched it many moons ago but certain aspects stuck with me, would be nice to check it out again. IN the Heat of the Night needs another look.

Both are acknowledged classic films, for good reason. I did not have either on my ballot. The Manchurian Candidate, as brilliant as it is, doesn't fit my personal definition of Neo Noir enough to even warrant consideration. In the Heat of the Night has enough elements that I considered it, though ultimately I didn't even include it on my shortlist.

For those who have never gotten around to watching John Frankenheimer's The Manchurian Candidate or may only be familiar with Jonathan Demme's remake starring Denzel Washington, it really is a must-see. When put in the context of its day, post-McCarthy era and just before the assassination of JFK, it is a striking piece with Angela Lansbury perfectly cast as one of the greatest big screen villains.

As for a master class in editing, please see any of the brainwashing sequences.

This is more or less where I stand with both. They didn't even cross my mind when making my list. But putting my personal point of view aside, I included links to some reviews that do acknowledge those noir-ish traits in both, so everybody, feel free to check them out.

On that topic, this link is a very brief statement from noir expert Eddie Muller on whether he sees The Manchurian Candidate as a film noir or not.

0 for 4 seen on either countdown.

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I've seen both The Manchurian Candidate and In The Heat of The Night, but so long ago I can't really remember them....due for rewatches!

AWARDS?


In the Heat of the Night was a critical darling, receiving many awards and even more nominations. Some notable wins:

• Four (4) Academy Awards, including Best Picture
• Two (2) BAFTA Awards
• Three (3) Golden Globe Awards, including Best Drama
• Rod Steiger won 8 of 9 awards he was nominated, including the Oscar
• Sidney Poitier was nominated for three acting awards, but won none.
• Stirling Silliphant won 3 of 4 awards he was nominated for the script, including the Oscar