1. Film Noir by Dan, Toby, Paul & Geoff ‘ Film Noir’ is a French term used to describe a specific genre of film. Translated into English, Film Noir means ‘Black Film’. The Film Noir genre, is heavily dependant on the lighting on-screen and is marked by a mood of pessimism, fatalism, menace, and cynical characters ‘ *’ See glossary at end

2. What is Film Noir? The French phrase literally meaning "black film" was developed in the early 40s and refers to a genre of mostly black-and-white films that blossomed in the post-war era in American cinema. The Film Noir period is said to stretch from the early 1940’s to the late 1950’s. Throughout this era, Film Noir was associated with low-key lighting with the use of black and white visuals. This form of styling has roots in Germany due to Expressionist Cinematography. Film Noir however was not a term used by the film industry itself. It was first used by French critics after the Second World War. The critics found it rather remarkable that a number of American films were presented in a much darker vision than what was usually expected.

3. The Noir 'Universe' Film Noir is characterised by a broad range of wrongdoing, immorality and criminality. Private detectives and policemen litter these style films and their occupation brings them into contact with criminals, gamblers, hustlers, war veterans and women both beautiful and dangerous. These people are considered protagonists and generally are found dwelling in the city, found in offices, police stations, nightclubs etc. etc. Most notably, it is a rare sight to see any of these protagonists which aren’t single, as the majority of them lead subtle lives and are not members of any typical family.

4. Film Noir Women Usually in Film Noir styled films, there is a contrast between your stereotypical conventional woman, who is often chaste, straight-forward, honest etc. and the femme fatale. The femme fatale is sexually alluring, manipulative and devious. The male ‘hero’ is inevitably drawn to the femme fatale as a result of sexual attraction.

6. Classis Film Noir Movies Some of the more well known Film Noir titles include the following: