Shadows and suspicion: America’s trust issues are far from black and white

In recent findings by the Pew Research Center, American confidence in its governmental institutions has plummeted to a “historic low,” sparking debates about the erosion of trust in governance. However, this report becomes less shocking when the date range (1958 – present) is considered. While the findings are undoubtedly true in a contemporary context, American institutional distrust is a sentiment that echoes throughout American history. NPR’s Ari Shapiro describes distrust as “American as Apple Pie.” 

Perhaps nowhere can the effects of American institutional unease be seen as clearly as in film noir. A genre that flourished amid the turmoil and shadows of World War II, film noir serves as a powerful lens through which we can examine a period of American history where deep-seated mistrust of the government was potentially as high as the Pew Research Center’s current findings. As Joshua Zeuitz notes in his article “How World War II Almost Broke American Politics”  while modern Americans think of WWII “ as a beacon of feel-good unity and patriotism,” the time leading up to America’s involvement in the war was one of bitter divide over Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. The expanding role of the state, mass taxation, rationing, surveillance and a president who served 3 consecutive terms made Americans fresh out of the depression weary of their government. 

Film noir, a film style characterized by its high-contrast visuals, complex characters and morally ambiguous narratives, not only entertained but also mirrored the anxiety and skepticism prevalent in American society during the 1940s. The genre’s intricate storylines, filled with strategic deceptions and murky allegiances, reflect a nation grappling with the realities of a world at war and the subsequent challenges of postwar adjustment.

“The Maltese Falcon” (1941) stands as a quintessential example of film noir, capturing the essence of the genre through its portrayal of Sam Spade, a detective navigating a labyrinth of lies and deceit. The film’s masterful use of shadows not only contributes to its aesthetic but also symbolizes the murky moral landscape of the time. In one scene, Spade interrogates a suspect in a dimly lit room, the sparse illumination casting long shadows that visually represent the uncertainty and moral ambiguity of the era. This scene, among others, showcases how film noir employs visual storytelling to reflect societal tensions and the pervasive sense of mistrust.

Philip Hanson, in his exploration of film noir’s origins, suggests that “The Maltese Falcon” underwent significant evolution before embracing its noir identity. Earlier adaptations lacked the genre’s characteristic cynicism, possibly due to censorship aimed at preserving morale during Roosevelt’s New Deal era. It was only as the strategic complexities and ethical quandaries of wartime became apparent that filmmakers felt compelled to adopt a more critical, nuanced approach to storytelling, giving rise to the film noir we recognize today.

Today, as we navigate the complexities of a recent global pandemic, political polarization, and economic instability, the themes of film noir may find themselves resonating more deeply with modern audiences.  By revisiting film noir classics like “The Maltese Falcon,” we gain a deeper understanding of the historical roots of our current mistrust in institutions. Furthermore, by recognizing the genre’s influence on contemporary storytelling, we can appreciate how film noir continues to serve as a mirror to society, challenging us to confront the shadows of our collective psyche and to seek clarity in an increasingly complex world. In this way, film noir remains not just a relic of the past but a living, evolving art form that continues to illuminate the darker corners of the American experience.