Film noir is a French term that was created after World War II around the 1940’s and 50’s and is defined as “black film”. Film noir often depicts themes that are more negative rather than positive, with a general dark, shadowy, and gloomy appearance. Film noir is almost always filmed in black and white accentuating low-key lighting that often produces stark light/dark contrasts and dramatic shadow patterning.
There are various noir components that compose a classic noir film. The films were often low funded thrillers filled with forceful dialogue for maximum impact on the audience. The use of dark and dim lighting, dreary surroundings, and dramatic close-ups were often used. In classic film noir you often see light being passed through Venetian blinds reflecting upon a person or persons in a room, smoke filled rooms, and downtown city streets. All of these effects help build the desired effect of desperation.
Most noir films attribute characters as persons trapped in hopeless situations, often battling a force that pressures and persuades them to resist temptation. Often the protagonist and main character of a film has a serious imperfection which leads to devastation. Often the character is a criminal, thief, adulterer, or person of weak will. On the other hand many noir heroes and protagonists are often detectives taking on the case of mysterious women who captivate them by using sensuality. The main character and protagonist often appears honest at the start of the film, however over time they often become ruined by a dishonest deed or weak self-control.
In many cases if the main character is male, he is often brought down by a seductive woman, the femme fatale. Frequently the femme fatale is shown as a dazzling woman, willing to do anything necessary to reach her overall goal. The woman is often cruel, dishonest, seductive, and manipulative.
Another aspect of noir films is the use of flashbacks. The flashbacks are often voiceovers,...