Film Noir - Definition

Film Noir is a term used primarily to describe stylish Hollywood crime dramas, particularly those that emphasize cynical attitudes and sexual motivations. Classic film noir period refers to the times from the early 1940s to the late 1950s. The main feature of film noir style movies is a low-key black and white visual style that has roots in German Expressionist cinematography. The stories included in film noir, as well as much of the attitude derive from the school of crime fiction that was created in the USA during the Depression. The question of whether film noir qualifies as a distinct genre is still being debated. In general, many of the classic film noirs were referred to as melodramas, but in order to call a movie "film noir style" it should fulfill the criteria created by classic film noir cinematography directors.

Speaking of the visual styles, a classic film noir movies should include:

• low-key black and white visual style
• deep shadows
• most of the screen usually being black
• wide use of strong, point lighting, directed on characters and key places/objects
• action happening also in the background, where silhouettes of people can be seen

Other criteria referring to movie structure, plot and characters are:

• first person perspective voiceover narration, including flashbacks
• crime/murder theme, including crime investigations led by a police or private detective
• because of the theme of these movies, guns are widely used by characters
• action set in large cities, urban environments
• frequent scene of action include bars, cafes. nightclubs, casinos, but also factories or power plants as places where more dynamic action happens
• atmosphere of film noir is created by smoke coming from cigarettes smoked by the characters
• characteristic feature of film noir movies is a female character called "femme fatale"; she is a mysterious and seductive woman who uses her charms and good look to seduce one of the male characters and lead him into usually dangerous and deadly situations, often to a murder