literally translated ~ Black Film
The name of the "genre" refers to and symbolizes the mood and atmosphere of the films.
The traditional period for film noir is 1941-1958. When films are made in similar style after the traditional period it is considered neo-noir.
The typical aesthetics of the film noir include:
- extreme contrast between light and dark
- smoke
- bars
- blinds
- silhouettes
- strange angles
- cigarettes etc.
Film Noir also has very specific narrative devices that are commonly used in most of them. Examples of those are:
- Flashbacks
- Voice Overs
- Twisting subplots
- Sudden reverse in fortune
- Circular narratives
- A network of minor characters
- Tragic endings
