Film Noir is literally translated in French as ‘Black Film’.

The term is used primarily to describe stylish Hollywood Crime Dramas, particularly those that emphasize cynical attitudes and sexual motivations.

Film noir began in the 1930's and remained as a strong cinematic medium until the early 1960's.

What makes it Film Noir?

• Low key black and white visual style.

• The use of night time shooting.

• Usually a crime related film.

• Camera adopts unusual angles or positions.

• The main character are often important in the frame as other elements of the composition.

‘Film Noir constitutes a body of striking work that represents the American film industry in its most neurotic, subversive, and visually provocative phase’.

Foster Hirsch

• Inspiration to many new film makers.

• Attracted by visual style and possibility of making a good crime thriller on a low budget.

• Individual fulfillment within the American society.

Film Noir Films:

• Farewell My Lovely (1944)• Build My Gallows High (1947)

• The Third Man (1949)• Chinatown (1974)

• The Hot Spot (1990)• The Last Seduction (1994)