FILM NOIR
Film Noir or 'black film' was a film genre that grew to prominence in the 1940's in the USA. Dealing with mature subject matter like moral corruption, dangerous sexuality, alienation and paranoia, Film Noir movies were populated with downtrodden private detectives, corrupt cops, and alluring and deadly femme fatales. Noir films also created a recogniseable visual style, with their shadowy, high contrast lighting, urban landscapes and harsh editing and sound. The production elements and narratives of Film Noir are still used in modern films, and have become part of the language of film.
NOIR LIGHTING
Film Noir was famous for its distinct lighting style. Created by the need for efficient shooting on a low budget, and employing the latest camera technology
Film Noir was famous for its distinct lighting style. Created by the need for efficient shooting on a low budget, and employing the latest camera technology
Look closely at the lighting setups in the clips below, and the way they are used to dramatise the action of the scene.
Modern films still use production and story elements from Film Noir. The film Sin City, based upon the comic of the same name, uses tan extreme version of the visual style of Film Noir, deals with similar story lines, and employs noir style voiceovers from its protagonists. Not all modern films use noir elements so obviously, but they can be seen in numerous films.