A Guide to the Aspects of the Film Noir Genre

Posted by Classic Movies on May 21st, 2021

What are the aspects of film noir? The genre has been around for several decades, dating back to the 1920s. When translated from French, film noir literally means “black cinema,” and this is obvious in the darkness and pessimism of noir movies.

Some of the best noir films in the history

Before getting into the aspects of film noir, it’s crucial that you get to know the most influential movies in the genre’s history.

One of the most well-known noir films is The Maltese Falcon, starring Academy Award winner Humphrey Bogart. The mystery movie is famous for its top-tier cinematography and creative use of shadows.The Blue Dahlia is another timeless example revolving around the story of a sailor coming home to an unfaithful wife and his now-deceased son.

The criticalaspects of film noir

Film noir’s aspects are more unique than you could ever imagine. Unlike other genres, its elements are heavily based on the cynicism and pessimism ingrained in the American psyche after the Great Depression.

Noir films expressed people’s most profound and darkest emotions, centering on storylines such as soldiers returning from war and women losing their jobs. Here are some of the most noticeable aspects of the genre:

• The anti-hero protagonist

Noir films are characterized by a rugged male anti-hero, often with a tragic flaw and a cynical mindset. However, each movie portrays this differently; sometimes the protagonist is a cold detective, other times he is a heartless gangster.

• The femme fatale

No noir film is complete without the intriguing and independent femme fatale. They are a perfect match for the protagonist, taking advantage of their femininity through seduction and calculated betrayal.

• The no-nonsense dialogue

When it comes to quotable lines, film noir takes the top spot. Most dialogues are taut, quick-witted, and utterly cheeky, keeping audiences on their toes for the following line.

• Dark aesthetic

“Black cinema” isn’t just a direct translation. It also describes how most noir films look; dark, high contrast, and shot on black-and-white film. Viewers will notice the dramatic use of light and shadow to portray different emotions, as well as out-of-the-box camera angle and mysterious silhouettes.

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