"A satisfying book, as each of the authors brings a unique perspective to the discussion and they are able to isolate, identify, and explain some of the more subtle aspects of a genre which, on the surface, seems all about gangsters and pretty girls who done somebody wrong." — Blogcritics
"Explores the philosophical underpinnings of movies from the classical noir period and... suggests that films aren't noir merely because they share a consistent tone, or certain visual conventions, with the likes of The Maltese Falcon, The Postman Always Rings Twice, and Double Indemnity." — Boston Globe
"The essays work both as solid primers into philosophy, stretching from Aristotle to Schopenhauer, and as lucid excursions into the genre's dark, mean streets.... A fascinating, readable, and provocative book.... Highly recommended." — Choice
"An intellectually seductive, hard-boiled romp through a world of moral murkiness, femme fatales, and desperately lonely protagonist." — Eric Bronson, editor of Baseball and Philosophy
"The collection aims to achieve two goals: to introduce genuine philosophical problems and film noir characteristics, while providing sufficiently in-depth discussion that those familiar with either philosophical methods or film noir will not find the material too elementary. Although facing a difficult task, Conard has put together a collection that succeeds in both respects." — Intertexts
"Dense and intriguing, the book suggests noir is best perceived as a slightly warped mirror held up to contemporary society." — Publishers Weekly
"An excellent book, giving readers a very good sense of the rich philosophical resources in film noir." — Thomas Hibbs, author of Shows About Nothing
"This collection of essays, delving into the films and elucidating their philosophical depths, is challenging and engaging. Read it and prepare to be provoked." — Les Reid, Philosophy Now
