YM- Film Noir

Film Noir is a cinematic term most predominantly used when talking about Hollywood Crime Dramas.

Hollywood's classic film noir period is generally regarded as being from the early 1940's to around the late 1950's.

Visual Techniques:

- Dramatic shadow patterning

- Low-Key lighting (stark light/dark contrast)

- Dutch angles

- Wide angle lense

- Reflections in mirrors

- Low angle shots

- Faces partially obscured by light

Narrative:

- Often includes flashbacks

- Voice overs by protagonist often seen

- Convoluted storylines

Characters:

- Hard-boiled detectives

- Femme fatale

- Misunderstood characters

Themes:

- Pessimism

- Anxiety

- Alienation

- Externial angst

- False suspicions