The Use of Frame Story and Flashback in Noir

In Mate’s 1950 film D.O.A. the frame story and flashback narrative structure work to reinforce the moral and philosophical message of the film. The film would not have been nearly as effective with a linear narrative. It is such a bizarre and suspenseful conversation as it is unclear what Frank Bigelow means when he, himself, claims to have already been murdered. The frame story and flashback narrative structure allow the audience to watch as his character shifts from being inconsiderate and depressed when he is healthy, to the loving, driven man after finding out he has only a few days left to live. This ironic twist of fate and reflective narrative structure reinforce the moral and philosophical message of the film which is along the lines of: be honest and respectful to yourself and those around you, “you never know what you’ve got til’ its gone”, “love the one you’re with”,  or “live life to the fullest”.

 First the audience is introduced to the determined Frank, who enters the homicide office claiming to be dead, and when he begins to tell his story and the flashback sequence is cued, the audience goes back in time and is then presented with the unhappy and unappreciative Frank who neglects his girlfriend, and takes everything he has for granted. Next we are shown a slightly better version of Frank when he reads the note from Paula and then rips up the other woman’s number. Soon Frank becomes hysterical as he goes from doctor to doctor, desperately hoping to come across more hopeful examination results. Finally, when the odds are against him, the audience (and Paula) is offered a new, appreciative Frank Bigelow who is determined to unravel his mysterious murder. He realizes he hasn’t much time left, and he quickly has regrets regarding his outlook on life. 

This frame story works because it gets the audience interested right away, and we are increasingly curious as the flashback narrative unfolds. The moral or philosophical message of the film concerns Frank Bigelow, and the fact that he repeatedly states that he did not do anything wrong, and all that he did do was approve a bill of sale. He was just doing his job. It was not until Bigelow was confronted with his own murder that he began to appreciate and value the life he already had. Prior to the unsettling news from the doctors, Bigelow was unhappy, and in a state of disappointment. He decides to go on a trip on his own, and does not care to relay this to Paula, the woman he is seeing. The moral and philosophical message of this postwar American film noir is that you should not take what you have for granted, you should cherish what you have, and you should not wish for anything more. Or else you will be punished like Frank Bigelow.