Film gris (French:[filmɡʁi];French for "grey film"), a term coined by experimental filmmakerThom Andersen, is a type offilm 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 theHouse Un-American Activities Committee, often made by associates,fellow travellers and supporters of the convictedHollywood Ten.[1][2]
Films gris offer aleftist criticism[3] of society in general, and ofcapitalism in particular. They typically examine such themes as the psychological damages of class, the false promises of middle class happiness, and the pitfalls ofmaterialism.[4] The politically-activeJohn Garfield was frequently cast by producing partner Bob Roberts as the leading actor in this sub-genre.
Film gris differs from film noir in some of the following ways:
Andersen identifies the following[6] asfilms gris:
