Classic Movie Review Interview

I am so happy to say that I have been interviewed by John Cornelison at Classic Movie Review. He read my “Why Noir?” article and realized his listenership would probably like to know more about how film noir inspires my art.

The interview comes as a podcast and a video, both of which are embedded below.


Additionally, John sent me this fabulous T-shirt promoting his work. The image is based on a shot of Jane Greer, playing the notorious Kathy in Out of the Past.

John is an author, movie enthusiast, archeologist and bonsai tree specialist who has produced Classic Movie Review podcast since 2014.

In our interview we talk art, movies, and even a bit about archeology (which, you may know, is also a great inspiration for me!)

Among other things, he asks me what my favorite movie is, and who is the best femme - and homme - fatales.

---

---

---

Here is an excerpt from the interview, where he asks me more about that perennial archetype in film noir, the femme fatale.

John: "Fatales have often been villainized for the methods used to attain their goal. I believe this is the only tool or agency that women have in these cases, in these films. And it's not more sinister than a man beating up or shooting another man. Do you have any thoughts on how femme fatales are portrayed?"

Leslie: "I would agree with you. Oftentimes they are presented as being more evil than the man. But I think that has to do with who's writing the films and who's reviewing the films and talking about the films rather than the actual story.

"There's a great quote that's attributed to Margaret Atwood that says 'Men are afraid that women will laugh at them. Women are afraid that men will kill them.'

"I think that that that's relevant in this case because sometimes the men that are reviewing or making the films really think being laughed at or being made a fool of by women is worse than being violent."