Film gris (, French for "grey film" ), a term coined by experimental filmmaker Thom Andersen, is a type of film noir which categorizes a unique series of films that were released between 1947 and 1951. They came in the context of the first wave of the communist investigations of the House Un-American Activities Committee, often made by associates, fellow travellers and supporters of the convicted Hollywood Ten.

Thematic elements

Films gris offer a leftist criticism of society in general, and of capitalism in particular. They typically examine such themes as the psychological damages of class, the false promises of middle class happiness, and the pitfalls of materialism. The politically-active John Garfield was frequently cast by producing partner Bob Roberts as the leading actor in this sub-genre.

Distinction from film noir

Film gris differs from film noir in some of the following ways:

List of films gris

Andersen identifies the following as films gris:

List of film gris directors

Sources