What Is Film Noir? Definition & Examples From Cinema

Some of the most popular films from Hollywood’s Golden Age have been dubbed “film noir” for their dark, gritty storylines.

But what exactly defines a film as “noir”?

Film noirs usually take place in urban settings and are characterized by the following features:

• low-key lighting,
• a cynical tone,
• corrupt or criminal protagonist,
• a labyrinthine plot involving betrayal, deceit, sexual infidelity, or murder.

The latter characteristic is especially true of many classic American crime dramas such as Double Indemnity (1944), The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946), Touch of Evil (1958), and Chinatown (1974).

What Makes A Film Noir?

Film noir movies are dark, moody, and shadowy in nature.

They usually feature haunting or violent characters who inhabit seedy underworlds of crime and corruption.

Often the protagonist is hunted by a relentless detective or private eye who represents society itself.

Some other features of a film noir are chiaroscuro or deep focus cinematography (a technique where the background can be seen as well as the foreground).

The story will often have characters struggling with moral issues in an urban setting.

Film noirs were popular in Hollywood during the 1940s to 1960s but they still exist today!

The term was coined in French for black movies and can be translated to “black film”.

This style of filmmaking originated during the 1940s as filmmakers looked for ways to counter the violence from war-time propaganda with more realistic depictions of society.

Best Film Noir Movies

The best film noir movies are those that offer the most compelling and thought-provoking story.

They include a variety of genres, but all have an element of mystery or crime surrounding them.

From classic black-and-white films to hardboiled detectives and femme fatales, these films will keep you guessing until the final frame.

We all love a good film noir movie, but it’s hard to find the best of them. So we’ve done the work for you!

Here are some of our favorite films noirs that will give you an eerily awesome cinematic experience.

They Live by Night (1948)

“They Live by Night” is a noir classic that captures the essence of young love and the despair of a life on the run.

The film follows the story of Bowie (Farley Granger), a young convict who falls in love with a naive girl named Keechie (Cathy O’Donnell).

Together, they escape a life of crime and embark on a journey to start anew.

The chemistry between Granger and O’Donnell is palpable, and their performances make the audience root for their relationship despite the odds stacked against them.

Director Nicholas Ray’s visual style is stunning, with moody lighting and shadows that perfectly capture the dark and dangerous world that Bowie and Keechie inhabit.

The film’s pacing is excellent, with tension and suspense building up to a thrilling climax that will leave you breathless.

 

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Kiss Me Deadly (1951)

Kiss Me Deadly is a classic film noir that will leave you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

The film follows private investigator Mike Hammer as he becomes entangled in a web of deceit, corruption, and danger after picking up a hitchhiking woman.

Director Robert Aldrich masterfully creates a dark and foreboding atmosphere that perfectly captures the essence of the genre.

The cinematography is gritty and raw, adding to the film’s overall sense of unease.

Ralph Meeker delivers a standout performance as Mike Hammer, perfectly embodying the tough and uncompromising detective.

The supporting cast is equally impressive, with memorable performances from Maxine Cooper as Hammer’s love interest and Albert Dekker as the film’s menacing villain.

One of the film’s most notable aspects is its use of a mysterious, glowing object that serves as the driving force behind the plot.

This macguffin adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already suspenseful story, leaving audiences guessing until the very end.

 

Blood Simple (1984)

Blood Simple is a masterclass in neo-noir filmmaking.

The Coen Brothers’ debut feature is a suspenseful and stylish thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

The film’s intricate plot revolves around a love triangle gone wrong, and the consequences of the characters’ actions are both unpredictable and devastating.

The performances in Blood Simple are outstanding, particularly from its lead actors, John Getz and Frances McDormand.

Getz plays the hapless bar owner caught up in a web of deceit and betrayal, while McDormand shines as the femme fatale who is not as innocent as she seems.

The supporting cast is equally impressive, with standout performances from Dan Hedaya and M. Emmet Walsh.

The Coen Brothers’ direction is impeccable, with every shot and every frame contributing to the film’s overall mood and atmosphere.

The use of light and shadow, the haunting score, and the tight editing all work together to create a sense of unease that never lets up.

Blood Simple is a film that rewards repeat viewings, as there are many layers to uncover and details to appreciate.

It’s a classic of the genre and a must-see for any fan of crime thrillers or the Coen Brothers’ filmography. Highly recommended.

 

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Elevator to the Gallows (1958)

Elevator to the Gallows is a French film noir classic directed by Louis Malle that takes the audience on a suspenseful journey through the streets of Paris.

The film follows the story of Florence, a beautiful and wealthy woman who, along with her lover Julien, plots and executes the murder of her husband.

However, things quickly take a turn for the worse as Julien finds himself trapped in an elevator while attempting to dispose of the murder weapon, and Florence’s car is stolen by a young couple.

The film is a masterclass in tension-building, as each character’s storyline slowly and skillfully intertwines with the others.

The black and white cinematography adds an eerie and claustrophobic feel to the film, perfectly capturing the sense of entrapment that the characters experience.

The jazz-infused score by Miles Davis only adds to the film’s overall cool and sophisticated atmosphere.

Jeanne Moreau delivers a standout performance as Florence, portraying a woman who is both calculating and vulnerable.

Maurice Ronet also shines as Julien, expertly conveying his desperation and fear as he finds himself trapped in the elevator.

The Third Man (1949)

“The Third Man” is a cinematic masterpiece that will leave you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Set in post-World War II Vienna, the film follows writer Holly Martins as he investigates the mysterious death of his old friend, Harry Lime.

With stunning cinematography and a haunting score, “The Third Man” paints a vivid portrait of a city torn apart by war and corruption.

The performances are outstanding, particularly that of Orson Welles as Lime, whose entrance is one of the most memorable in film history.

The film is a thrilling mix of suspense, romance, and political commentary, with a twist ending that will leave you reeling.

Director Carol Reed’s vision is brought to life by the brilliant screenplay by Graham Greene, which is witty, intelligent, and full of memorable lines.

The film’s use of shadows and light is masterful, creating a tense and eerie atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll.

Out of the Past (1947)

Out of the Past is a classic film noir that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Robert Mitchum delivers a strong performance as Jeff Bailey, a private investigator who becomes embroiled in a dangerous web of deceit and betrayal.

The plot is intricately woven, with flashbacks and twists that keep you guessing until the very end.

Jane Greer shines as the femme fatale Kathie Moffat, whose beauty and charm are matched only by her cunning and ruthlessness.

The chemistry between Mitchum and Greer is electric, and their scenes together are some of the most memorable in the film.

The cinematography is stunning, with dark shadows and moody lighting creating an ominous atmosphere that perfectly captures the mood of the film.

The score is also worth noting, with haunting melodies that add to the tension and suspense.

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Double Indemnity (1944)

Double Indemnity is a film noir classic that still holds up this day. Directed by Billy Wilder and starring Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck, this film delivers a thrilling plot full of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The film follows Walter Neff, an insurance salesman who falls for Phyllis Dietrichson, the wife of one of his clients.

Together, they plan to kill her husband and collect the insurance money through a double indemnity policy.

However, things get complicated when Neff’s colleague, Barton Keyes, starts to suspect foul play.

MacMurray and Stanwyck deliver standout performances as the scheming duo, with their chemistry and tension palpable on screen.

The cinematography and lighting add to the film’s suspenseful atmosphere, with shadows and angles used to great effect.

Touch of Evil (1958)

Touch of Evil is a stunning masterpiece that showcases the brilliance of Orson Welles as both a director and an actor.

Set on the US-Mexico border, this film is a gripping noir thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat till the very end.

The film follows Charlton Heston’s character, a Mexican cop, as he tries to solve a murder case that is entangled in corruption and deception.

Orson Welles plays a corrupt and manipulative police captain, whose performance steals the show with his commanding presence and ominous voice.

The movie is visually striking with its use of deep shadows and intense close-ups, creating an atmosphere that is both haunting and mesmerizing.

The music score, composed by Henry Mancini, adds to the suspenseful tone of the film and elevates the viewing experience.

Touch of Evil is a must-watch for any film lover who appreciates great storytelling, impeccable performances, and exceptional filmmaking.

Chinatown (1974)

Veronika Voss is a haunting and compelling masterpiece from the legendary German director Rainer Werner Fassbinder.

The film tells the story of a fading film star named Veronika Voss, who becomes entangled with a young sports writer named Robert Krohn.

As their relationship deepens, Robert becomes increasingly concerned about Veronika’s mental health and her reliance on a sinister doctor.

Fassbinder’s direction is masterful, creating a tense and unsettling atmosphere that perfectly captures the film’s themes of addiction and exploitation.

The performances are also superb, with Rosel Zech delivering a mesmerizing and heartbreaking portrayal of Veronika.

What makes Veronika Voss truly stand out, however, is its haunting and deeply affecting ending. Fassbinder pulls no punches in his exploration of the dark side of fame and the human psyche, leaving the viewer with a powerful and unforgettable cinematic experience.

The Big Sleep (1946)

“The Big Sleep” is a classic film noir that will leave you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Humphrey Bogart delivers a captivating performance as private investigator Philip Marlowe, who is hired by a wealthy family to investigate the blackmailing of one of their daughters.

As he delves deeper into the case, the plot thickens and the twists and turns will keep you guessing until the very end.

Lauren Bacall is also fantastic as the sharp and seductive daughter, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the already complex storyline.

The film’s visual style is stunning, with dark shadows and moody lighting creating a haunting atmosphere that perfectly complements the suspenseful plot.

Why Is Film Noir So Popular?

Film noir is a style of filmmaking that emerged from Hollywood in the 1940s and 1950s.

The term “film noir” means “dark film.” It is characterized by its dark, shadowy images which are dramatic and moody.

Film noirs often have an anti-hero protagonist who is usually on a path to self-destruction, yet somehow manages to be sympathetic or compelling enough for the audience to root for him/her.

What makes film noirs so popular? To answer this question, we need to first understand what it was like during World War II when these films were created.

Why was there such an interest in crime stories after WWII?

For one, audiences were eager for a respite from the horrors of war. Film noir was a way to show the good guys getting one over on the bad guys.

After experiencing the horrors of war, people needed this escapism.

Films such as “The Maltese Falcon,” “Double Indemnity,” and “Laura” all fall under this category.

There are many reasons why film noir has become so popular. One being its stylishness, another being its incorporation of Freudian psychology into its narratives.

Film noir can often be seen as an artistic reaction to post-war anxiety, and its popularity continued up through the 1950s because it offered escapism that people were looking for during this time period.

Themes in these movies typically include crime, revenge, paranoia, or fear involving love or sexual relationships., betrayal and death are common plot points.

Film Noir films often have dramatic plots with strong moral messages about society such as corruption, greed, poverty, etc.

The Golden Age Of Film Noir

Film noir is a genre of film that reflects the mood and atmosphere of 1940s America. It thrives on themes such as corruption, criminality, violence, and social disillusionment.

The golden age of this genre was from the late ’40s to the early 50’s with directors like Alfred Hitchcock leading the way. In fact, he directed one of the most famous examples: Rear Window.

One could argue that Hitchcock perfected this style of filmmaking in his work with suspenseful plots and clever camera angles – think Psycho or Vertigo – that were designed to keep audiences guessing about what would happen next.

Film Noir has left an indelible mark on cinema history by influencing many other films that came in the decades after the 1950s (commonly seen as the peak of the film noir genre).

The term “film noir” was coined by French critic Nino Frank, meaning “black film.” It can draw from many different genres such as crime dramas and thrillers but it usually features a central character who finds himself or herself on a dangerous journey into the underworld with little hope for redemption.

During the 40s and 50s, film noir was at its height. The world had just come out of a brutal war and there was an atmosphere of fear in society.

These themes were reflected in some of the most iconic films from that era such as “Double Indemnity” or “The Big Sleep.”

Common Elements Of Film Noir

Film noir is a genre of film that often features crime, murder, and mystery.

While there are many elements found in most film noirs, they can be broken down into six main categories:

• black-and-white cinematography,
• voiceover narration,
• hardboiled police detectives or private eye protagonists,
• femme fatale characters,
• plot twists,
• heavy use of shadows or rain symbolism.

Film noir typically features tough, cynical heroes or heroines who are often private detectives and/or professional gamblers, dealing with issues such as betrayal, prejudice, social injustice, sexual promiscuity (especially involving women), infidelity.

Noir movies are characterized by their use of low-key lighting techniques on city streets at night so that every face casts a distorted shadow – a lighting technique known as chiaroscuro.

Film noir is typically characterized by dark and shadowy visuals, deep shadows, high-contrast cinematography with an off-center perspective, shots from low angles looking up at leading actors’ faces or silhouettes, and rain or snow scenes.

Noir films often have convoluted plots involving crime, murder but also human relationships such as adultery and betrayal.

Some other common elements found in most film noirs include:

• dark and shadowy visuals,
• an off-center perspective,
• shots from low angles looking up at leading actor’s faces or silhouettes,
• rain or snow,
• violence and death,
• alienated characters.

Film Noir And The Hard-Boiled Fiction Tradition

Hard-boiled fiction is a style of American detective and crime fiction that was most popular during the post-war era.

The genre was popularized by crime writers such as Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler.

The genre’s name originated from the gritty, hard-boiled dialogue found in these novels.

Film noir has a dark tone stemming from its film stock (black and white) as well as its themes such as anti-heroes, femme fatales, and moral ambiguity or corruption.

It often includes stories about crime scenes with corpses strewn around, shady characters living on society’s fringes who are usually not afraid to break the law whenever necessary, tough but honest cops or private eyes whose job it is to clean up after them because they have become too dangerous for anyone else to handle. All set against a gloomy urban backdrop.

The genre often features private detectives who attempt to solve a case while confronting cynicism and police hostility along the way.

The hard-boiled fiction tradition in literature also shares many similarities with film noir:

• tough guys investigating crimes,
• cops as antagonists,
• female characters appearing but mostly in secondary roles,
• dialogue consisting mainly of quips and provocative witticisms.

The film noir genre is a stylistic approach to filmmaking that evolved out of the hard-boiled fiction tradition, its dark tone and message first emerged from hard-boiled fiction, a genre with an atmosphere of disillusionment and cynicism.

Film Noir: Key Takeaways

As we’ve covered, film noir began to form as a genre with classic films like “The Maltese Falcon” and “Double Indemnity.”

It’s hard to define but can be loosely described as a crime thriller that focuses on dark themes such as romantic disillusionment, moral ambiguity, and social alienation.

This type of movie was popularized in the 40s due to post-WWII sentiments of anxiety and uncertainty among Americans.

Film Noir had its heyday from the mid-1940s through the late 1950s before declining in popularity during the Vietnam War era when audiences were looking for more escapist fare than anything else.

And there have been revivals of film noir with 1970s films like Chinatown and The Long Goodbye, as well as revisionist film noir movies.

Film Noir is characterized by stories about crime, violence, moral ambiguity, and social unrest.

Film Noir can be dark or light-hearted depending on the story being told.

Characters are often morally ambiguous figures with criminal backgrounds who struggle with their identity and sense of belonging to society.

They often have tragic past lives that lead them into this kind of lifestyle which adds to the complexity of their character traits as they try to navigate complex underworld full of betrayal and injustice.

The film noir genre is one of the most popular and important genres in cinema history.

It has its roots in German Expressionism, although it really took off after World War II with many American films, which embraced a dark style that differed greatly from classical Hollywood.

The main features of these movies are their gloomy atmosphere, use of shadows and light to create suspenseful moments, heavy use of flashbacks to show characters’ backstories or dreams as they unfold on screen, and cynical attitudes about humanity.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to film noir and its most popular and classic films. What’s your favorite film noir movie? Let us know in the comments below.
 

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