I'm not sure why there are so many noirs set around the holidays, but maybe it has something to do with seasonal depression. We all know that this time of year can be especially hard on people, when our usual American propensity toward surface cheer becomes something of a national obligation. After all, we quite literally force each other to be—or to appear to be—"merry" (which, when you think about it, is a weirdly antiquated word that we never use in any other context) and to conform to our national religion of positive thinking. All that forced good cheer just gives some folks the winter blues.
Ah, that's where film noir comes in. Here's an overview of some films that are either Christmas themed noir or are holiday movies with a strong touch of the dark side. Either way, just about everyone on this list has been naughty.
7. I, the Jury (1953)
6. Christmas Holiday (1944)
5. The Ice Harvest (2005)
4. L.A. Confidential (1997)
3. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
2. Meet John Doe (1941)
1. Blast of Silence (1961)
For all things Film Noir, head to Criminal Element for your daily dose of murder, mystery, and mayhem!