Point Blank: Hardboiled, Noir, & Detective Fiction
Point Blank is a podcast about hardboiled, noir, and detective fiction. Mixing serious analysis and humor, the co-hosts (Justin and Kurt) discuss classic or contemporary works of crime fiction in each episode. In addition to major works, they offer shorter reviews, and examine noir-ish topics such as alcoholism in detective fiction, the femme fatale, and race and labor in crime fiction. Stroll with Kurt and Justin down the rain drenched alleys and mean streets as they explore the fascinating world of crime fiction.
4.4
12/09/2022
Good podcast
Not perfect, which makes it great
05/01/2022
As a Chandler fan, my intro to Point Blank was the Big Sleep episode (3). I binged ten more over the next couple of days and I continue to sample random episodes here and there. It’s obvious after a few minutes that Justin and Kurt have a sincere love and deep knowledge of the genre(s). Their excitement is infectious, even when I’m not particularly into a book or author, or disagree with their opinions. Yet they’re not annoyingly geeky or over-caffeinated, which ruins a lot of other podcasts. Like good writers, they have a great sense of pacing, something else other podcasts could learn from. They’re able to take deep dives without exhausting the subject (or being exhausting), and their short reviews and analyses don’t feel shallow or slight. Another refreshing aspect is that I feel I’m listening to actual people talking, not “performers.” They’re just professional enough to keep it smooth and listenable, but it feels intimate and real (most of the time — see below). They’re opinionated without being obnoxious or pretentious, humble enough to allow the existence of other points of view, and aren’t afraid to call out their own biases. They have distinct personalities and approaches that helps keep things interesting. My one big critique is far from a deal-breaker, but bears mentioning… The discussions are fresh and natural, yet many solo reviews feel too formal, where it’s obvious they’re reading from prepared texts. Podcasts aren’t audiobooks or lectures. A minor criticism, which is admittedly out of their control, is that they agree too much! I’d love to hear more Siskel and Ebert-like (dating myself…) arguments. Overall, I can’t see a serious crime fiction/noir fan not finding Point Blank interesting and entertaining, and I think it would be a great intro for an avid reader who’s not familiar with the genres but would like to dive in. PS: A few reviews here call out PB for being “political” or “woke.” This is extremely misleading, as the podcast is anything but. They only broach such subjects as race, sexuality, gender, etc when it’s integral to the material itself, or context is required in analyzing books from the 1920s-70s in the 21st century. While they don’t attempt to be neutral or “fair and balanced,” they don’t preach, at all.
Heating up
06/12/2022
Sierra Madre! Iceberg Slim! This show is heating up!! I’m very excited. I’d love to hear your guys experience reading the great work of Donald Goines.
Good noir genre overview
06/06/2022
Very much enjoy this podcast, 5 stars
About
Information
- CreatorJustin & Kurt
- Years Active2017 - 2024
- Episodes89
- RatingExplicit
- Show Website
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