Deconstruction of Location

There are several common locations that film noir films are set in these include:

•         Alleyways
•         Abandoned buildings
•         Bars
•        Casino
•    Roads
•    Offices
•        Homes

                             

It is often set in dark, dim areas to reflect the mood of pessimism. Many of the locations are easy to find but good use of mise-en-scene needs to be used to be able to reflect the era most film noirs were set in. 

Many film noir's were set in LA the following are some locations that featured in film noir films.

"Double Indemnity"- Dietrichson House

This is a mediterranean styled house which was part of Glendale in the film. This house can be found in Beachwood Canyon. However, only the exterior was used but the interior was re-created on a soundstage at Paramount Pictures and was nearly an exact replica of the interior of this house.

"China Town"- The Prince Restaurant and Bar

This restaurant was known as The Brown Derby in the film "China Town" and was used for it's glamourous interior. The bar is also a perfect location for film noir's to be filmed. The character Evelyn Mulwray matched her lipstick colour to the crimson interior.

"Gangster Squad"- Union Station

 

This is one of the more famous filming locations and is a classic 1939 railroad station and hasn't changed much over the years making it a great film noir and neo noir filming location and with it's exterior and interior decor perfect. This train station has a bar and restaurant. “It affords a variety of looks in one single venue: from the gleaming white Spanish exterior to the grand sweeping hallways to its art deco restaurant and intimate outdoor garden patios. When you walk into Union Station, you can’t help but feel as if you have stepped into a film noir scene from the 1940s, as much of it has that timeless Any Town, USA, feel.”- Harry Medved (http://www.dailynews.com/arts-and-entertainment/20140503/union-station-in-los-angeles-is-a-film-noir-star)

Films such as “Criss Cross” (1949), “Too Late for Tears” (1949), “The Company She Keeps” (1951), “Cry Danger” (’51) and  “The Narrow Margin” (1952) have all been filmed there as well as neo noir films such as “The Hustler” (1961), “Marlowe” (1969), “Chandler” (1971), “The Driver” (1978), “True Confessions” (1981), “To Live and Die in L.A.” (1985), “Bugsy” (1991), “The Italian Job” (2003) and “Gangster Squad” (2013) have all been filmed there.

Detective offices

Most offices are recreated in studios and with the correct mise-en-scene can look as if though you have been transported back to the 1940's.

Streets and alleyways

As we are only creating an opening scene we do not need fancy locations. Therefore, any street or alleyway can be used as many of the film noir locations are common everyday urban settings to make the events seem more realistic to the viewer.

Evaluation
In our opening scene we only need simple everyday locations such as an alleyway or a street. A room can be made into an office with the correct mise-en-scene. Therefore, locations are not hard to find.