Neo-Noir ConventionsEmily Delaloye

Chiaroscuro Lighting

• This was originally used in Noir films as it heightens the contrast of light in shots thus heightening the contrast. However in modern day neo-noir films there is not much need for this style of lighting as they can just heighten the contrast by increasing the saturation.

This is seen in ‘Manhunter’ (1986)

directed by Michael Mann

Obscured scenes

• This is a convention that is take from its predecessor genre; ‘Noir’ as it is used to add mystery to the film and noir and neo-noir films both include lots of mystery. This is mainly done using smoke, rain, fog and another character in the front of the frame.

This frame is from Sin City (2005)

directed by Frank Miller.

Cynical World Weary Protagonists

• This is seen in basically all neo-noir films and it links to the fact that there is lots of crime and disequilibrium in many of the films hence why the protagonist would be described as world weary.

An example of this is the character of Brendan in the film; Brick (2005) directed by Rian Johnson.

False Accusations and Betrayal

• This is a vital convention to the plot of neo-noir films as without this there would be no mystery to the story line which is something that an audience expects to see when they buy a ticket to a noir film.

An example of this is in Blade Runner (1982) directed by Ridley Scott.

Femme Fatale

• The character type of a Femme Fatale is another convention that also was seen in Noir films. However in neo-noir films they are portrayed so that the audience feel sympathy for them, quite different to noir films. This draws a fine line between a damsel in distress and a femme fatale.

• An example of this is the character

of Mia Wallis in Pulp Fiction (1994)

directed by Quentin Tarrintino.

Complex plots and Analepsis

• This is integral to the story line as the idea of flashbacks gives the story the ability to be complex and interesting. This is henceforth why it links to the idea of having a complex plot.

• Flash backs of analepsis are seen in the beginning section of the RianJohnson film; Brick (2005) meaning for quite a while of the film the audience is unsure of the storyline adding to the mystery of the piece.

Water and Reflections

• This is a classic convention as it allows the idea of misunderstanding and obscured images it also creates a dreamlike state so the audience are unsure as to what it actually happening and what is just an illusion.

• This is scene in Brick (2005) and is even

Shown on the poster showing how

Integral it is to the plot.

Protagonist Personal Code

• This is something that is scene in majority of films however in neo-noir films the protagonist personal code is often messed up and not morally correct. This means that they are trying to so something right but they don’t mind doing morally incorrect things in order to allow them to complete their task.

• This is seen in Martin Scorsese's film Taxi Driver (1976)

Eroticism and Sexuality

• This is a representation that is something that has evolved a lot from the classic noir genre. It is seen in many of the neo-noir films which may be used to entice a wider variety of audiences.

• This is seen in the film ‘Black Swan’ (2000)

First Person voice over Narration

• This is seen in many of the neo-noir films but it is also a convention that has been carried on from the classic noir genre. One example of where it is seen in in the very popular film; ‘Double Indemnity’.

• It is seen in the film ‘Brick’ (2005)

Unreliable Narrator

• This links to the voice over and the personal codes of the protagonist as because the narrator is confused and making difficult and sometimes not morally correct decisions then this makes the narration of the piece unreliable.

• Seen in Nolans film ‘Momento’ (2000)

Crime and Violence

• This is something that is seen in a lot of varying genres in many different films as many would argue that crime and violence are what makes a film exciting and interesting.

• This is seen in majority of Neo-noir films so I don’t have a specific example.

Dutch Angles and Inert Frames

• This technique is used to add interest and mystery to the film so it is seen in a lot of films. It mainly consists of odd angles.

• This is seen in ‘Dark Knight’

Urban Settings

• This is another convention that is seen in many films as well as the genres predecessor Film noir it is seen in basically all of the noir films so if it is not seen the film would be going against convention.

• Seen in ‘Taxi Driver’

Long Tracking Shots and Deep Focus

• I believe that this is used to add mystery and allow the audience to not completely understand what is going on. It is continuing the legacy of Orson Wells.

• The most famous perhaps being the 6 minute long tracking shot seen in the HBO series True Detective.

Bars, Diagonals and Frames within Frames

• This is something that is directly linked to the genre of Film Noir and it was used constantly in those films to add mystery and as they didn’t have great special effects they would actually use venetian blinds to create the bars of light.