Conventions of film noir

What is film noir?

Film noir is a French term meaning ‘black film’, or film of the night. Film noir was inspired from a line of cheap paper backs that translated into

hard-boiled American crime authors and found a popular audience in France.

Conventions of film noir

Black and whiteFilm noir is often filmed in black and white because It mainly is used to emphases certain parts for example shadows. Also the

colours black and white have several connotations. For example black often connotes death. Death is often a key theme in film

noir therefore the black and white highlights this. Also the use of black and white represents the feelings of the main characters as

they often suffer from such things as depression.

Conventions of film noir

SettingOften the movies are set in city's that contain several dark alleys

and tall buildings. The use of things like alleys help emphasise the shadows and give a sense of mystery because you do not know what could be hiding in the shadows, giving a sense of danger. Also the use of tall buildings give a sense of isolation

around the main male character who often have several flaws, The idea that he is alone in a city full of people helps to stress his

loneliness and flaws.

Conventions of film noir

LightingChiaroscuro is often the word related to the lighting used in film noir. It is a combination of two Italian words meaning ‘clear’ and ‘dark’. Lighting is often used to give a sense of the mood of the scene for example the lighting will be very dark in a dramatic

scene of when someone is killed.

Conventions of film noir

Femme fataleFemme fatale literally means ‘killer/deadly woman’. They often

are very promiscuous, beautiful but desperate women. They often make the main male character fall for them and pull them

into dangerous situations. They are often presented as being glamorous and beautiful.

Common costume conventions include long dresses, expensive jewellery and red lipstick. The costume worn often connotes

danger.

Conventions of film noir

A cynical, hard hearted, disillusioned male character.

This character is often the main character they often have alcohol problems and are hard hearted. They are often

portrayed as detectives.There costume is normally suits, trench coats and trilby hats, mainly because it is the clothes a male would of worn in 1950

which helps set a time and give the film some context.

Conventions of film noir

SmokingMost of the characters in film noir will this is mainly because

smoking connotes danger which suggests that no one is safe. It also connotes a sense of mystery as smoke makes the air cloudy and suggests that there is something the characters are hiding or something they do not know about, therefore once again giving

a sense of not knowing and mystery.

Conventions of film noir

GunsGuns carry the connotation of danger as they are used to kill

things. They also add a sense of action to film noir and help to generate excitement. Guns used are often small hand guns that

are hidden away so when they are pulled out it shocks the audience.

Conventions of film noir

Money/richesThis is often a key theme in film noir because it is used to show

status. For example the main bad guy will have a lot of money to use against people. It is often a trouble maker for the main male

character who already has several downfalls.

Conventions of film noir

Mirrors/reflectionsThese are often used to show conversations between characters.

It often shows tension as there must be a reason that they are not talking face to face, therefore suggesting problems.

Also they are often used to show the audience things that the character looking in the mirror cannot see, therefore creating

suspense and excitement.