I absolutely adore the black and white monochromatic look, it just brings such an air of contrast and drama, the main character’s expression in this is sullen, and he is evidently working on a case. The detective I wish to create is an investigator, though cynical in outlook, is nothing if not a curious answer-seeker. I also liked the inclusion of the single lit desk lamp.

This image shows the promising inclusion of the “Fem Fatal” synonymous with the Film Noir genre. This seductive temptress is fundamental and prominent in film noir pieces, as she acts as a means to bewitch and tempt the titular character down wrong paths. She is characterised by her seductive demeanour, seeming innocence, manipulation and eventual discovery of her sinister intentions/actions.

This almost cartoon image struck me as it is starkly different from other like images. It has bright colours and an alluring sense of mystery and action. The cover displays a keen-eyes detective in the throes of an action sequence with a gun aimed. It reads the Detective in bold, just as my character is. It has the classic detective’s Fedora; a symbol of mystery. Furthermore, only the legs of the hinted Fem Fatal are shown, her hands gracefully holding a cigarette.

Double Indemnity was the first film I ever watched in the genre of Film Noir, and I was immediately captivated. It's a fantastic film from 1944, and essentially created the whole film Noir genre. It's strongly characterised by its biting and witty dialogue that's incredibly snappy and concise. The “detective” archetype, who in the movie takes the form of an insurance claims commissioner, a two faced fem fatal who leads him down a tricky path, and the authority figure of the Company as the Claims Manager. I loved how the main character “Neff” is slowly degraded by the weight of his crimes whilst being caught up in the mystery and investigation surrounding the mystery. Though he is more chipper than I’d like to categorise my character, I liked his morbid outlook by the end of the film. I also completely adored the Fem Fatal, “Phyllis”, who was truly superb and an utterly convincing lead.

I have always felt such a strong personal pull towards the Sherlock Holmes character, and all adaptations of his archetype, I simply can’t get enough of it. This image shows a far more traditional take on Sherlock Holmes. Distinctly characterised by his Cap, trench coat and thick cigar. The motif of cigarettes and cigars are essential to both the detective characterisations and Film Noir films. Additionally, nearly always do the Fem Fatal’s smoke a skinny cigarette. Not only was this use of cigarettes a testament to the times, but also show how something so addictive can be the secret malevolent vice of the character.

KEY THEMES:  Mystery and intrigue. The elusiveness of truth. The impact of societal pressures. The enigmatic nature of unsolved cases, constant public intrigue.

CHARACTER: Willi Koeppen: A charismatic yet enigmatic figure, well-connected and influential, yet surrounded by rumours and controversies. A described 'violent drunk', with a volatile personality, able to be in the limelight and the centre of attention, but was known to have an overbearing and explosive other side.

 LANGUAGE: Investigative and descriptive, with a focus on creating suspense and exploring various theories.

CONTEXTT: 1970s Australia, high society, and the culinary world.

• Moral Ambiguity: Characters often exist in a morally grey world. They are often morally questionable or dubious themselves, susceptible to influence be it romantic or monetary despite being highly self-assured.

• Crime and Investigation: Central themes involve solving crimes with complex narratives, lots of interlinked stories, very often playing into Chekhov's Gun theory.

Key Themes:

• Corruption and Betrayal: Trust is a rare commodity, hard to earn, often betrayed.

• Fate and Despair: Characters struggle against inevitable doom.

Character:

• The Detective: Cynical, world-weary, driven by a personal code.

Language:

• Hard-Boiled Dialogue: Short, sharp, and filled with slang.

Context:

• 1940s-1950s Hollywood: Influenced by German Expressionism, reflecting post-war disillusionment.

Implied audience in stem location: The police commissioner is the implied audience, and the audience would be addressed in some police cubicle location

Architecture Features: Lots of grey very boxed in, the detective is very old-timy whilst the commissioner is very fresh-with-the-times.

Sounds (Human and non human): Pens clicking, people slurping coffee cups

Other people present: Not within the stem location

Mood of Location: Clinical, hard working, focused, quiet

Within my Solo:

• Atmosphere Creation: Use the song to underscore scenes of intense investigation or moments when the Detective uncovers dark secrets.

• Emotional Resonance: The music’s tension can mirror the Detective’s inner turmoil or the suspense of the investigation.

• Scene Transitions: The song could play during transitions between key moments, enhancing the noir feel.

Within my Solo:

• Inner Monologue: Use the theme to underscore the Detective's thoughts, reflecting his obsession with the case.

• Building Tension: Play the theme during key moments of revelation or when the investigation takes a dark turn, heightening suspense.

• Character Study: The music’s intensity can mirror the Detective’s own psychological depth, showing his brain's process whilst figuring out the mystery.

Within my Solo:

• Surveillance Theme: Reflect the song’s idea of constant observation in the Detective’s approach, always watching suspects, catching their lies. This song would be good to use as he scouts an unsuspecting witness.

• Irony: Use the upbeat nature to contrast the dark, serious tone of the investigation, perhaps during a scene where the Detective feels in control.

• Detective’s Paranoia: The song’s lyrics could underscore a moment of the Detective’s growing paranoia or realisation that he is also being watched...

Within my Solo:

• Character’s Resolve: The song can underscore the Detective’s unyielding determination to solve the case, no matter the risks.

• Tension: This is the kind of song that could be played in the heat of a tense moment as its connections to fate vs self-instigated future are clear and could be used to help further the suspense of a scene.

• Climactic Moments: The energetic and defiant tone of the song is ideal for moments where the Detective confronts suspects or pieces together the final clues.

This initial scene would set up the main character of the detective along with his relation to the police commissioner.