Certain Conventions of film noir!

Smoking:

Cigarettes and smoking play a big part in film noir, most characters are usually seen smoking at some point during the movie. Smoking was a big fad in the time that most film noir movies are based in, the dangers weren't known and it was may be used to create a sense of mystery for the character...they can almost hide behind the smoke.

Venetian Blinds:

These are also used in most film noir based movies, it usually shows either the main character or the femme fatale with the shadow from the blinds across their face so the audience can only see strips of the characters face. This again creates mystery, and shows that the character has something to hide from the other characters as well as the audience.

Mirrors:
Mirrors are used in a symbolic way to show that a certain character may have two sides to their personality, or two different agendas which another character doesnt know about. Mirrors can also be used to crate some interesting camera shots...so the audience sees a different side to a character than whoever they are talking to.

Colours:
Most film noir movies are in black and white...this is very authentic and also brings in the themes of the time period. Later movies that are in colour usually have very low key lighting, therefore all the colours would be dimmer/duller than they would be normally. Black and grey are used a lot as they significally death, confusion and mystery....all big features of film noir movies. The femme fatale usually wears white...to try and signify her innocence at the beginning, however when she changes into her normal self (mischevious) she usually wears red or black.

Film Noir

What is Film Noir?

Film noir is a term used to describe stylish Hollywood crime dramas that emphasize cynical attitudes and sexual motivations. The film noir period is generally regarded between the early 1940s and the late 1950s. It is associated with a low-key black-and-white visual style.

Research of Film Noir movies.

1. LA Confidential (1993)



2. Brick (2005)



3. Black Dahlia (2006)



4. Double Indemnity (1944)

I will go into an in depth analysis of these movies, showing the conventions of 'Film Noir' that is shown within each one, but also the character profiles that are brought to light. The main characters that you will see in each of these movies are:

The main character:

This character is male, usually some sort of detective, he isn't quite a hero as the character seems to have his own ethics and morality which an audience may question. He is seen as a very negative character, but also very gullible, as if he wants to become a hero - He will believe the dishonest ways of the characters around him (mainly the femme fatale), which leads him into dangerous situations where either his life is on the line, or he himself is being accused of certain crimes. He is usually wearing suits and ties, sometimes wearing an overcoat. most of the time they wear a hat which is suited to the time period.

The femme fatale:

This character is usually a corrupt female, who in most movies manipulates the main male character to do as she wishes using her feminine charm (sexually persuasive). They are usually two faced, and will do anything to get their own way. Most of the time the main character will fall in love with the femme fatale, however the audience is usually left unsure as to whether she feels the same way about him, in the end the detective is usually double crossed by the woman as he realises she has used him for a professional means, as well as using him emotionally. Some well known femme fatale include Rita Hayworth and Barbara Stanwyck. They are always very sexually attractive women (who use that fact for their own personal benefit), they wear white to try and portray innocence, however always wear red lipstick to show their hidden promiscuity.

First Post

This is my blog to show the coursework on the film genre of 'Film Noir'!

We have already watched a few different styles of film noir's from throughout time, and in this blog i will be analysing the aspects and characterisation of these, then create my own five minute piece in the style of a film noir.