This Gun for Hire (US, 1942)

One of many Graham Greene cinema adaptations, this thriller is notable for its pristine noir photogrpahy and the performance of the lovely Veronica Lake - particularly the nightclub MC/chanteuse scenes.

The Locket (US, 1946)

Moderately interesting/curious psychological melodrama, original in choppy kind of way; only some camera angles faintly hint at noir.

Where the Sidewalk Ends (US, 1950)

This is another good noir, of the 'tough cop' variety this time.

Armored Car Robbery (US, 1950)

This is a marvellous, compelling, realistic compact little gem of a crime noir.

Billy Budd (UK, 1962)

It was during the Summer of 1997 while working in the westernmost hotel in Ireland (and, by extension, Europe) that I read Herman Melville's classic Billy Budd, Sailor.

The Man with the Golden Arm (US, 1955)

Unlikely looking star Frank Sinatra stars in one of the first ever movies to deal sensitively with the topic of drug addiction.

Frances Ha (US, 2012)

Articulates very well the confusion, delusion, aimlessness and humility of being an impoverished, lower middle-class, mid-late twentysomething out-of-towner struggling to find a place in the big city.

Only God Forgives (US/TH, 2013)

A circle of sometimes grizzly revenge slayings, not lacking in visual lavishness; difficult to know what to make of it, but in a more positive than negative way.

The Big Clock (US, 1948)

Decent enough thriller with some interesting, stylish NY interiors, and a plot that nods towards noir tendencies, but it is not a noir film in itself.