explore | Grilled Cheese

If you caught my pre-show, you would know when John Seitz literally invented the lighting style seen in this shot. (There’ll be a quiz later...) #TheNoirCollective #TheLostWeekend

I can't believe Ray was able to perform at all, let alone at such a high level, with the camera literally pinning him to the bed. Incredible behind-the-scenes shot!

#TheLostWeekend #TheNoirCollective

For a while, Milland became a pop-culture punchline. In My Favorite Brunette (1947), Bob Hope finds a hidden bottle of scotch and quips, “Ray Milland’s been here.” In Bugs Bunny’s ‘Slick Hare,’ Milland uses his typewriter to pay off his bar tab. #TheNoirCollective #TheLostWeekend

Although Milland’s work in #TheLostWeekend remains mesmerizing, it was *so* convincing in 1945 that audiences for years after confused him with Don Birnam. He was stopped by strangers hoping to buy him a round of drinks and watch him spiral, or by “fellow alcoholics” seeking help. #TheNoirCollective

To achieve the desired look of physical decay, Milland went on a crash diet of dry toast, boiled eggs and coffee. Twice, to experience the world through Don’s eyes, he tried getting riproaring drunk, but he was such a light drinker, he threw up after a few rounds. #TheNoirCollective #TheLostWeekend

Note the bright illumination solely on Don’s door; his apartment is his refuge, the only place he feels safe, and he is heading out into the dark world once more, to shame and degradation… Cinematography helps to tell the story... #TheNoirCollective #TheLostWeekend

More like HAUNTING and POSSESSION! #TheLostWeekend #TheNoirCollective

French noir often ended with the protagonist ending it all: in ‘La Bête Humaine,’ in ‘Pépé le Moko,’ in ‘Le jour se lève’ ⬇️. In the US, the Breen Office forbade suicide. (They had forced Wilder to rewrite the end of Double Indemnity.) But to Wilder, rules were meant to be broken… #TheNoirCollective

This is so brilliant
#TheLostWeekend. #TheNoirCollective

Which Scottie are we talking about here?
#TheNoirCollective

Harry Barris, the piano player at Harry & Joe’s, sang with Paul Whiteman’s Rhythm Boys. I
guess improvising novelty songs where he’s ribbing the people around him (Somebody Stole My Purse) was his thing. I’ve seen him do the same in other films.
#TheNoirCollective #TheLostWeekend

John F. Seitz on the complicated extreme close-up "eye" shot: “I was right over him. We had a special effect lens for that. I said, ‘Ray, don’t breathe, don’t breathe!’ I had just a little light. And we had a guy to change the focus as we went back on the dolly” #TheNoirCollective #TheLostWeekend

Dodgers close out the Braves in 4. Wait for the MIL/SD winner in the LCS on Sunday. #thenoircollective

Wilder filmed this scene on location to emulate the style of “poetic realism” common to French noir, in which heightened emotions play out against a naturalistic setting. Seitz had his crew shoot from moving vans and packing crates so onlookers were unaware they were being filmed. #TheNoirCollective