A Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Film Noir: The Essential Reference Guide
Film noir continues to be a popular genre in cinema. Nevertheless, its definition and time frame remain questionable. In his introduction, author Grant applies a broad definition, using operational criteria such as character archetypes, settings, and plots. He also notes the importance of including pre-noir inspirations and neo-noir films, thus extending the time frame.    The volume is an alphabetical, annotated listing of 3,500 film-noir and related-movie entries. American films make up the bulk of the entries, but representative films from other continents, mainly Europe, are included. Entries range in length from two paragraphs to a half page and include the following information: title and translated title, as appropriate; release date; country of origin; film length; black and white or color; studio; director; producer; screenwriters; story developer; cinematographer; cast; and plot summary. Some entries include editorial remarks, such as film inspirations or legacy. Related movies are also listed (such as sequels or remakes).   Appendixes include an alphabetical list of directors, major actors, and major authors whose books formed the basis of films—each list noting birth and death years and the person’s associated films. There is also a five-page selective bibliography. There is no index. Six sections of photographs feature stills of film-noir images (mainly black and white): “Classic Noir” (e.g., Double Indemnity, Gilda); “A Gallery of Directors” (including Clouzot, Hitchcock, Ishii); “A World of Film Noir” (non-U.S. films, such as Breathless and Il Bandito); “The Faces of Noir” (e.g., Isabelle Adjani, Raymond Burr, Ida Lupino, Edward G. Robinson); and “The New Noir” (e.g., Blade Runner, Fargo, Klute).   The strength of this book is its extensive list of film noir in its broadest sense. Its critical nature is limited, and the introduction lacks analysis. Other reference works, such as Scarecrow’s Historical Dictionary of Film Noir (2010) and Sink Press’s Worldwide Film Noir Tradition (2013), are more selective, with deeper treatment; but for the price point, this volume provides a useful resource list and beginning image collection. --Lesley Farmer