Noirvember: The Essential Selection of Straight-to-Video Titles

      Tom Jolliffe concludes Noirvember with a selection of direct-to-video noir films. Dark narratives of murder, suspense, infidelity, crime, justice, femme fatales, and plenty of brooding shadows are the hallmarks of film noir and, more recently, neo-noir. These genres have presented numerous moody treasures, influencing action, thriller, and drama films over the years. Since its rise in popularity during the 1940s and 50s—tabulated by lighting techniques inspired by German expressionism—film noir has ebbed and flowed, eventually giving way to the even grittier neo-noir that emphasizes moral ambiguity and violence.

      While we could highlight numerous neo-noir classics, let’s start with some less heralded straight-to-video films. Neo-noir is often identified by its themes rather than visual style, which characterizes traditional film noir. The direct-to-video space has long provided a haven for neo-noir narratives, alongside its more straightforward horror and action films. Here are ten DTV noir films worth checking out this Noirvember:

      **Give ‘Em Hell Malone**

      This nod to classic detective noir with a modern twist has ample cult potential though it never fully took off. Thomas Jane shines as Malone, a sardonic private investigator straight out of the Bogart school, tasked with safeguarding a briefcase against a wave of mobsters. Under the direction of Russell Mulcahy (Highlander), the film melds classic noir's high-contrast shadows with graphic novel colors. The vehicles and costumes embody a blend of old and contemporary styles (similar to a non-Gothic version of Burton's Batman). It’s a great, underrated film.

      **Scorned**

      It would be remiss to discuss video premieres without mentioning Shannon Tweed. While Tweed has had better performances, this film holds a special place for me. Scorned (also called A Woman Scorned) had a trailer that played before some mid-90s VHS rentals. The film's plot? Who knows, but the trailer (featuring an extra gravelly voiceover) introduced me to the delights of a Tweed film. The story is essentially a blatant rip-off of The Hand That Rocks The Cradle, amped up with trashy thrills and titillation, as expected from an Andrew Stevens production (who co-stars).

      After losing her abusive husband, Tweed seeks vengeance against the man she holds responsible for his suicide. Disguising herself as a tutor, she sets out to seduce the husband (Stevens), the wife (Kim Morgan Greene), and their rather inexplicably mature-looking son (given Greene appears only around 30, and was actually younger than Tweed). While ludicrous and cheesy, it’s entertaining, and Tweed shines in such roles, giving her a chance to avoid acting showdowns with the likes of De Mornay and Stone (though she’s not as bad as critics suggest).

      **Payback**

      After covering Tweed, it’s only fair to include Joan Severance and cable premiere icon, C. Thomas Howell. Not to be confused with Mel Gibson's film of the same name, this Payback, directed by Anthony Hickox, emerges as he transitioned from horror to a mix of action, drama, thrillers, and fantasy in the mid-90s.

      The film is an engaging thriller featuring Howell seeking revenge against the prison guard who tormented him and killed his mentor. The guard (played by Marshall Bell) is now blind and manages a small-town diner. This seemingly simple revenge plot becomes tangled due to Howell’s beautiful young wife (Severance). The film presents an intriguing narrative rife with betrayal and complex characters (particularly a suspicious Richard Burgi). Severance stands out among the softcore starlets of the 90s, demonstrating a good rapport with Howell. Stylish and captivating, the cast in this genre film is notably strong. Hickox has returned to noir-themed thrillers several times, notably with the underrated Jill The Ripper, which could have gained a following for its unconventional elements in a post-50 Shades era. Payback, akin to many of Hickox's underappreciated non-horror works, truly deserves a quality Blu-Ray release.

      **Cypher**

      A Hitchcockian sci-fi noir from the director of Cube. It combines elements of North By Northwest, Total Recall, and others, as a mild-mannered salesman (Jeremy Northam) finds himself embroiled in corporate espionage between two tech giants. Tasked with spying on one by the other, he faces numerous twists.

      Vincenzo Natali never quite achieved the recognition he deserved following Cube, and Cypher unfortunately hit video shelves with limited releases (including in the UK). It features stylish visuals and a clever plot that, while complex, remains accessible (sci-fi provides a convenient escape). Lucy Liu is excellent as a cryptic femme fatale with secret