Film Noir is characterized by the following stylistic elements:
Setting is usually urban, a city. It is usually rainy, poorly lit, crime infested, with danger lurking around every corner.
Protagonist is usually male. He is often an antihero who is an inspector or detective trying to solve a mystery. In most cases he is morally ambiguous.
Characters: The femme fatale, a dangerous lady who may or may not be a criminal. She is, of course, guilty of enchanting the protagonist. She's gorgeous but also morally ambiguous.
Style of film: film noir originates in the style of German Expressionism (see previous posts) and utilizes chiaroscuro lighting. Shots are shadowy or distorted. Use of oblique and birds-eye angles causes uncertainty and disorientation, but also symbolize the inner turmoil or hostility or mindset of the protagonist. The use of "red herrings", "flashbacks", and voice overs is common. Film noir uses or compliments the genres of crime thrillers, suspense, mystery, and gangster movies and it's style is used often in these forms.
Film noir emerged from the political instability in Europe and economic downturn of America during WWII and The Cold War. Plot events in the film underlie mood of the time: repression, insecurity, suspicion, paranoia, crime, threat, etc.
Homework: Read and take notes on the article on Sound Effects.
Setting is usually urban, a city. It is usually rainy, poorly lit, crime infested, with danger lurking around every corner.
Protagonist is usually male. He is often an antihero who is an inspector or detective trying to solve a mystery. In most cases he is morally ambiguous.
Characters: The femme fatale, a dangerous lady who may or may not be a criminal. She is, of course, guilty of enchanting the protagonist. She's gorgeous but also morally ambiguous.
Style of film: film noir originates in the style of German Expressionism (see previous posts) and utilizes chiaroscuro lighting. Shots are shadowy or distorted. Use of oblique and birds-eye angles causes uncertainty and disorientation, but also symbolize the inner turmoil or hostility or mindset of the protagonist. The use of "red herrings", "flashbacks", and voice overs is common. Film noir uses or compliments the genres of crime thrillers, suspense, mystery, and gangster movies and it's style is used often in these forms.
Film noir emerged from the political instability in Europe and economic downturn of America during WWII and The Cold War. Plot events in the film underlie mood of the time: repression, insecurity, suspicion, paranoia, crime, threat, etc.
Homework: Read and take notes on the article on Sound Effects.
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