The typical characters that we see on screen, are in a prominent hierarchy throughout most Film
Noirs. There is a blanket of corrupt cops,
femme fatales, protagonists,
detectives, as well as masterminds with money,
gangsters and double crossers, in a downbeat, rain sodden quiet town. Film
Noir’s are riddled with morally
questionable protagonists, who embrace corruption and who are
rarely portrayed in a positive light – also sometimes mentally ill, corrupt or having a criminal
background/experience. A good example of this is Carmen Sternwood in The Big
Sleep (Novel by Raymond Chandler).
The Film Noir style is distinct, specific and a favourite that features
in most Film Noirs, including low key
lighting, contrasted shadows and reflections of the characters which made
it stylised of the era.
The iconography used is effective and memorable, such as the “stylish” cigarettes and cigars that cloud the characters thoughts. As well as physical object threat, which is the guns or ‘revolvers’. These are accompanied by the way the characters are dressed, in long trenchcoats and fedora hats for the men, or long gowns and pearls for the women. These props are memorable of the style and really create icons of the characters and the genre of Film Noir. The dark sidewalks and pouring rain help the sinister mood further within the films, and are similarly reinforced with the classic ice in crystal glass accompanied by alcohol (primarily Whiskey).
Furthermore, the use of light through
the venetian blinds that
creates a classic effect of a contrast between the light and dark sides of the
characters.
The themes surrounding Film Noir seem constant and obvious. Often the
cities are run by a corrupt society –
narrative theme of Corruption – which includes double crossing villains, lies
and numerous affairs. Another constant theme to coincide with the murders is the recurring “Whodunnit” theme.
Many settings are normally within urban
settings, primarily major US towns such as LA, New York and San Francisco. Various scenes are often shot
in Bars to show sophistication and upper class which is
prominent in Film Noirs, as well as Mansions and
Gambling showing wealth as well as risk.
The plot can also use flashbacks to
gradually reveal more to the audience, as well as a voiceover narrator – An example of this
is Walter Neff in Double Indemnity.
The Sound used within Film Noir’s is classically Jazz, however the use of Strings i.e. Violins,
is also effective. The music is a sophisticated style
to comfort the audience, although similarly, the absence of music has the
powerful ability to make situations awkward and uncomfortable for both the
characters and the audience. Furthermore, the use of sudden noises keeps
the audience on edge and eager
to the plot.
The camera angles and shots are manipulated around
the characters, which is poignant within the style making the camera seem to be
part of the action; including high and low angle shots to make the audience feel
uncomfortable, as well as extreme close
ups to show the severity of situations. Often obscuring angles
(dutch/canted) are used to make the audience as well as the characters
seem uncomfortable. Similarly, A deep focus reveals shadows and enhances dark
corners of rooms. Also, the use of irregular
framing gives the stylised edge that
Film Noirs need, and are classically expected to have. The characters are
represented via reflections, representing
weakness often, which is alongside jump
cuts as well as jarring
juxtaposition.
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