One of my complaints about the neo-noir Arlington Road (1999) was that it's conspiracy is too unrealistic, but the film did try mightily to make it plausible. On a second watch, I was almost convinced.
This plot would make a good movie, better than many. Cadmus is the son of the king of Phoenicia. Zeus carries off Cadmus' sister, Europa. The king sends him after her. He cannot find her so he seeks advice at Delphi from the oracle. He's told to quit searching and to follow a cow. Where the cow lies down, he is to build a town. He founds Thebes in Boetia.
He's going to sacrifice the cow, and he sends a few of his companions to a nearby spring for water. They're slain by a dragon. Cadmus slays the dragon. The goddess Athena tells him to sow the dragon's teeth. This results in there springing up a race of fierce armed men called Sparti (sown). Cadmus throws a stone among them, and they fight with one another until only 5 are left standing. They make peace with Cadmus and assist him in building the citadel of Thebes. They become the heads of the noble families (the original five families!!!). But Cadmus must atone for the bloodshed he caused and do penance for 8 years. At that time, the gods give him a wife Harmonia (she has a backstory involving a number of gods.) As bridal gifts she receives a robe worked by Athena and a necktie made by Hephaestus. Finally, which seems to be when they are old, they retire to Illyria, where as the story goes, they were changed into snakes.
This story will be around after most neo-noirs are retired and changed into random numbers.
The lesson here is that a top neo-noir should have staying power over time, an appeal that gives it longevity among all sorts of people and makes it stand out.
Maybe that's asking too much.
Responses