Nighthawks: Dining and Dashing

Night. Midnight. Streamlined downtown cafe where the street's only source of light shines on the lonely and listless. There, in the corner, sit a lonely, weary couple. On the other end, the solitary man serviced by the sole proprietor working his graveyard shift. They are the Nighthawks. - Noemi P.

I'm sure you've seen the painting before. It is the quintessential artwork hung in all its glory at many city diners and cafes; particularly those open 24 hours. It's also hanging over my kitchen table. It is Edward Hopper's 1942 painting, Nighthawks. The very same image on this blog.

Though the painting is over 60 years old, it has a timeless quality. It is an oft repeated image in other art forms such as motion picture. It is also a solid depiction of reality. Walk into most late night diners and you will find patrons dining alone, deep in their own thoughts. The diner itself is a lonely character as the only source of light on a dark, perhaps gritty, city street. Here, Hopper uses the "chiaroscuro" technique to create the light/dark contrast; the darkness of the city street with the light  from within the diner; the dark clothing of the male patrons contrasted with the waiter's light uniform. 

The lack of interaction between all individuals, including the couple, adds to the themes of isolation and deep reflection. This is not to infer that these are negative aspects of the human psyche, but a natural aspect of humanity. There is a great need for self-reflection.

It is no surprise, then, that this painting has some influence of what we know as Film Noir. The light/dark contrasts, use of shadows, internal conflict. Consider how many films noir incorporate the diner scene.

The Killers (1946)

Asphalt Jungle (1950)

Woman on the Run (1950)

Du Rififi Chez les Hommes (1955)

Reservoir Dogs (1992)

Heat (1995)

Mad Men (2015)

The use of such imagery for film noir gives the viewer a sense of clarity. It is in the diner where we see the planning. It is the diner where we see characters reflect. It is in the diner when time pauses for all to gather their thoughts.

My photo of the "Night Owl" location in DTLA.