2. A movie that is marked by a mood of pessimism, fatalism, menace, and cynical characters; "film noir was applied by French critics to describe American thriller or detective films in the 1940s"Film noir is an American thriller genre that was recognised as a genre around 1940s. The term is French literally meaning “Black Film” and features extremely negative themes. Fedora hats, trench coats, shadows and night time make up some of the distinguishing features of film noir. The narratives of noir are featuring an introvert detective motivated by events which occurred during his childhood or recent past. “L.A Confidential” (Bud, whose father was a misogynistic woman beater).

3. Film Noir originates from 1930s USA. Produced mainly by Hollywood organisations it was a genre famous for being set in large landmark cities, such places would be associated with organised crime. “Al Capone - Chicago” In more ways than one, Al Capone inspired some narratives of this genre due to his genuine illegitimate occupation and his social status as a friend of government officials and movie stars. He was a highly recognised public figure. Criminals such as Al Capone are where film noir originate.

4. Crime dramas like Walker Texas Ranger starring Chuck Norris that have a more negative outlook will often fit into another genre as well as noir. The fact still remains that it contains some signature conventions and themes of Noir. Chuck Norris stars as an introvert working with only 1 side kick to fight crime in Texas. The settings in walker Texas Ranger are at times industrial, the opening sequence is voiceover narrated. Corruption and guns are highly associated with the drama. Film Noir is recognised by its primary conventions of corrupt authorities, low key visual style, Dutch angles (cantered angles), low angle shots, alcohol, cigarettes, guns, flashing neon signs, trench coats and large city settings. Over the years Film Noir has developed a less abstract sense to become more subtle as it merged with other genres. Films such as Bad Boys starring Will Smith & Martin Lawrence have conventions of film noir such as the Miami city setting it also incorporates drugs and a criminal underworld.

5. When Film noir began it was based in the 1930s -1940s. This was a time in America where criminal activity had reached a peak in the last 10 years. Prostitution, drugs trafficking and bootleg smuggling. Such events of police corruption, bribery and crimes committed by public figures like Al Capone inspired the overall pessimistic genre to flourish as a niche in the market. Film noir has been around for about 80 years, since it’s beginning it’s a large city setting is no longer a distinctive factor for film noir. As the genre has evolved we’ve seen it being set everywhere and anywhere.