This document analyzes scenes from the film Kick Ass that incorporate elements of film noir style. In the first scene, Big Daddy brutally kills a gangster in a warehouse, calling to mind the dark settings and violence of 1940s film noir. While Big Daddy wears a superhero costume, his actions are just as brutal as the gangsters, showing how the film blends superhero and noir genres. Subsequent scenes feature gangsters in suits pointing guns at opponents, further tying the visuals to classic noir imagery while advancing the genre in a modern context. Lighting and compositions that emphasize shadows and isolate characters also invoke the moody, mysterious style of classic noir films.

2. The opening long shot of the ‘Warehouse Scene’ shows 6 modern day
gangsters talking among themselves in a Warehouse. The location alone
screams film noir, as most noir films are based around abandoned or rural
locations such as warehouses, alleyways, docks etc. .. The mise en scene
shows formal suits, shotguns/handguns and trench coats, all associated
with typical 1940’s gangsters.

3. In this medium close up, we see ‘Big Daddy’ , the acclaimed dark superhero, brutally
slash one gangster’s neck with a heavy, sharp knife. The typical mise en scene of the
gangster reflects that of the 1940’s style, originated with noir film however, we see
Big Daddy wearing a superhero suit, very similar to that of Batman. This could
suggest a modern turn on noir, but still obtaining the dark qualities associated with
typical film noir.

4. Here we see Big Daddy ,centrally framed, pointing a gun at the remaining gangster’s,
which we can not yet see. The juxtaposition of a superhero pointing a gun projects the
sub-genre of superhero noir, as superhero’s are normally associated with super
powers as oppose to using a weapon used by normal citizens. However, this scene
shows this superhero is just as dark as the ordinary gangster, with his shadowed face
and use of destructive weapons.

5. This shallow focus centralizes the current action of Big Daddy scuffling with another
gangster. Here, we can see the mise en scene of his the batman inspired superhero
costumes, which blends in with the black suit of the gangsters. This could suggest they
are the same person, Big Daddy is just a gangster in disguise. This is furthered by the
struggle, how he’s physically struggling with another individual, and not using super
powers, which again adds to how he is just the same, fitting in with the film noir
genre of gangsters and fighting.

6. This close up of the shotgun projects a typical weapon associated with
the noir genre. The use of this shotgun alongside modern opponents
such as the modern style warehouse, the superhero theme and the
mise en scene shows how film noir is advancing in a more modernism
way, but still using typical element to keep the noir theme alive.

7. This medium close up of these men displays them as ordinary hotel
assistants. However, we find out they are the lead gangster’s henchmen.
This shows corruptness of organizations and impersonation of roles,
something related highly with film noir. The mise en scene of a top hat
and trench coats again link in with the theme of noir.

8. This medium long shot shows a mob of modern day gangsters with guns all
aimed at Hit Girl. The mise en scene of handguns, suits and smart coats, all
relate to film noir and are associated with the genre. The fact they are willing
to shoot at a young girl as well also links in with the gangster type behavior,
showing this to be adapted even in modern day time, advancing the typical
black and white film noire genre.

9. This close up shows the head of the mob, the don, in shallow focus to centralize
on him only. This shows his importance and dominance, which is also typical of a
leader of a mob. The dark features and dark lightning on the right hand side of
his face also links into the film noir genre, as this is typically used in noir films to
enhance significance or mystery.

10. This high angle birds eye view shows the lead gangster pointing his gun down at
the young girl. From this, we can see his smart suit and clean cut gun, associated
highly with noir. The shallow focus highlights Hit Girl under the gun, showing the
gangster won’t tolerate anyone and has no remorse. This again are all
characteristics linked with a typical 1940’s film noir character but with a modern
twist, showing how the noir genre has branched off into sub-divisions, like Kick
Ass.