Film Noir Conventions

1. Oli Tapping

2.  Complex shot types are rarely used to save
money.
 Cuts and continuous editing used as much as
possible
 Low angle shots are used to give power to a
certain character.
 Voiceover is often used to give more detail

3.  Lighting is very important in Noir films, shadows are used to effect with the
Black and White editing to create a murky and chilling atmosphere; usually
only key or behind lighting. The lighting always only faces the character on
screen, shadows anywhere apart from the main character suggests danger and
evil.
 Language used is specific to Film Noir. Black and White is not only used
because at the time that was the colour filmed in, but also to empathize
shadows and exaggerate the lack of happiness.
 Props play a large part in Film Noir, iconography takes place with guns,
cigarettes and top hats.
Setting-
 Cramped, urban environments.
 Many props and over furnished rooms with many objects create entrapment
and a feel of danger. Costume and Makeup is very important to exaggerate
the Femme Fatale; their sexuality, power and attractiveness are all key
elements to the character.

4.  Black and White.
Fades in and out and dissolves are the basic
editing techniques used.
Flashbacks are also used to show continuity.
Fades also show the passing of night to day.

5.  Sound: Typically Instrumental, with jazz songs
used.
 Sound is enhanced and added on top of the
piece to make it stand out more and extenuate
the importance of actions.
Themes: Mourning, Death, Killing, Fate, Murder.
 Transgression of Social Norms.
 Taboo.

6.  The character of the Femme-Fatalé proves to be
the villain even in times where she may seem
to be the damsel in distress. This character has
traits such as; beautiful, seductive, deceptive,
and a great liar. This character creates danger
for the main character.
 Male Detective is usually the main character.
They usually have a downfall but are all
similar in the way that they are hard-heartened,
a hero and easily likeable.