If you enjoyed the gritty neo-noir thriller 'Last Looks' (2022), you're in for a treat. This article curates 10 movies and shows that share its dark humor, complex characters, and stylish crime-solving vibes. Whether you loved Charlie Waldo's unconventional detective work or the film's sharp dialogue, these picks will keep you hooked.
The Big Sleep (1946)
Description: A classic film noir with a convoluted plot, sharp dialogue, and a hardboiled detective navigating a world of crime and deception.
Fact: The screenplay was co-written by William Faulkner. The plot is famously confusing, with even the original novel's author, Raymond Chandler, admitting he didn't know who committed one of the murders.
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The Long Goodbye (1973)
Description: A subversive take on the detective genre, featuring a laid-back private investigator navigating a morally ambiguous world with a slow-burning mystery.
Fact: Director Robert Altman updated the 1953 Raymond Chandler novel to a 1970s setting, giving it a contemporary feel. The film initially polarized critics but later gained cult status.
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Chinatown (1974)
Description: A quintessential neo-noir film set in 1930s Los Angeles, featuring a private detective uncovering a web of corruption and personal tragedy.
Fact: The film's famous line, 'Forget it, Jake, it's Chinatown,' was almost cut for being too on-the-nose. The water scandal plot was inspired by real events in California history.
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The Big Lebowski (1998)
Description: A cult classic mixing crime, comedy, and existential themes, centered around a slacker embroiled in a bizarre kidnapping plot.
Fact: The film's popularity led to annual fan festivals called 'Lebowski Fests.' The Dude's drink of choice, the White Russian, saw a resurgence in popularity after the film's release.
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L.A. Confidential (1997)
Description: A stylish crime drama set in 1950s Los Angeles, exploring corruption, glamour, and the dark underbelly of the city through interconnected storylines.
Fact: The film is based on James Ellroy's novel of the same name, part of his 'L.A. Quartet.' It won two Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Kim Basinger.
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The Man Who Wasn't There (2001)
Description: A black-and-white neo-noir exploring themes of alienation and fate, with a barber caught in a chain of events beyond his control.
Fact: The film's visual style was inspired by the works of James M. Cain and classic film noir. It won the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival.
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Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
Description: A darkly comedic take on the detective genre, mixing crime, humor, and a convoluted mystery set in Los Angeles, with a self-aware narrative style.
Fact: The title is derived from a famous quote by film critic Pauline Kael, summarizing the essence of movies. The film marked Robert Downey Jr.'s comeback after personal struggles.
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Inherent Vice (2014)
Description: A psychedelic detective story set in 1970s Los Angeles, blending noir elements with surreal humor and a labyrinthine plot.
Fact: The film is based on Thomas Pynchon's novel, marking the first adaptation of his work. Joaquin Phoenix's character was inspired by 'The Dude' from 'The Big Lebowski.'
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The Nice Guys (2016)
Description: A neo-noir crime comedy set in 1970s Los Angeles, blending humor with a gritty detective story, featuring mismatched partners solving a complex case.
Fact: The film was originally intended to be a sequel to 'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang,' but it evolved into a standalone project. The script was inspired by real-life events from the 1970s.
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Under the Silver Lake (2018)
Description: A surreal, meandering mystery set in Los Angeles, blending conspiracy theories, pop culture references, and a disaffected protagonist.
Fact: The film's dense symbolism and hidden codes have led to extensive fan theories and decoding efforts. It was inspired by director David Robert Mitchell's love for Los Angeles folklore and urban legends.
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