Film Noir - Codes and Conventions
Film Noir directly translates to black film in French. They are stylish Hollywood crime drama films that first came into being in 1940 with the release of a movie called stranger on the 3 rd floor.

Here are a few key examples of typical codes and conventions present in the Film Noir Genre:

 

Cinematography
Film Noir Cinematography is often distorted and skewed, disorientating the viewer putting them at unease. (this reflects the tone of Noir).

Tilt Shot:-

Camera is tilted at an angle as to confuse and disorientate the viewer - usually fast paced chase scenes

High angle/ Low angle shot:-

High angle - camera is positioned above looking down (often to label a character vulnerable or in danger)



Low angle - camera is positioned below looking upwards (often to label a character powerful and threatening)

Extreme close up/ close up and Depth of field shot:-

Extreme Close up - often used to emphasize the importance of a certain feature (usually a characters eye to show emotion up close or to show the significance of a certain object such as a weapon etc.)
 

Depth of field shot - This is when the camera sense focuses only on a certain area/point of a shot (for e.g. here the end of the gun is in clear focus whilst the body of the gun is engofed in a blur)

Close up shot - this is used to bring the focus to a certain object/ character, often to depict emotion more clearly

Reflections, views and faces obscurred through objects:-

face is seen through a mirror reflection (rear view mirror, car windows, puddles etc. can also be used to create a distorted image of a character - adds to the mystery and confusion)

Dutch Tilts or irregular framing shots:-



Mise En Scene:-

Film Noir locations used the everyday urban setting to make what was happening appear even more real to the viewer (rain damp misty streets).

Gloomy, deserted atmosphere - street lights and murky fog creates an air of mystery

Old fashion architecture - wet roads and dark setting

 

Low key lighting (chiaroscuro) and high contrast images - blacks and whites:-

  

High contrast between a pure white and dark black - stylish edge and creates a very visually appealing image

Lighting adds a ghost like glow - adding to the mysterious atmosphere of the genre. The lighting emphasizes the glamourous, artistic style thats associated with Film Noir
 

Use of Venetian Blinds:-

Venetian blinds are used not only to create an artistic visual effect, but also to mirror shady characters/crime

The shadows give the effect of prison bars which reinforces the theme of murder and crime (Having charaqcters opposite sides of the blind is good for distinguishing the hero and the villian of a narrative)

Down Beat Hero:-

Often downbeat, suave, nonchalant and cool (usually seen with long coats, suits, trilby hat, cigarette, liquor, dark, tall and handsome look - Alpha male, ladies man)

Femme Fatale:-
Beautiful, sophisticated woman - alluring and desirable to men

Gloria Grahame

Sound:-

 

Film Noir sound was used to compliment the feeling of pessimism and reflect what's happening in the film:-

• Meloncholy, Down Beat Music
• Jazz, Piano, Sax
• Heavy Breathing
• Use of Quiet/Silence
• Discordant and grating music
• Sudden Noises
• Voice over of Protagonist
• Sound affects and ambiance of the city and suburbia
 

Editing:-

 

Film Noir editing follows many of the traditional crime characteristics:-

 

Non linear -starts at the end then tells the story in flash backs often

Shot day for night using filters - cheaper

Continuity editing generally, jump cuts and Jarring Juxtaposition