Codes and Conventions

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.