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DRAFT ZERO

DZ-124: Making the Despicable Compelling

How does Film Noir show us terrible people doing terrible things without endorsing it?

⏱ 1h 10m
Character · Theme · Structure | 30 JAN 2026

Show Notes

Mel and Chas continue to explore what Noir (the genre) can teach writers of all other genres. In particular:

  • How to keep the audience on side of characters doing reprehensible things;
  • How to control your audience understanding of those reprehensible actions; and
  • Distinguishing between characters undergoing transformative arcs against discovering their true natures

In finding the common craft tools of Noir over 100 years, this Part 2 looks at two modern noirs – DEVIL IN A BLUE DRESS (1995) and WOMAN OF THE HOUR (2024) – after Part 1 looked at the classic DOUBLE INDEMNITY and THE LONG GOODBYE.

Despite Chas claiming to have edited this episode it was, in fact, Chris Walker who saved the day and got this done. Thanks Chris.

"A lot of classical noir is not direct about its depiction of brutality. And a lot of neo-noir is. And I think this film walks a really fascinating line where you know exactly how brutal and horrible it is."

Mel Killingsworth  |  DZ-124: Making the Despicable Compelling

Thanks to our Patrons, especially Khrob, Theis, Sandra, Jesse, Randy, Paulo, Thomas, Jennifer, Malay, Alexandre and Lily.

As always: SPOILERS ABOUND and all copyright material used under fair use for educational purposes.


Chapters

  • 00:00:00 – Using noir as a lens
  • 00:01:56 – DEVIL IN A BLUE DRESS
  • 00:31:33 – WOMAN OF THE HOUR
  • 01:04:30 – Key Learnings
  • 01:08:50 – Thank you Patreons!

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