Noir (film)

Film noir (French for "black film" or "dark film") is a cinematic term used primarily to describe stylish Hollywood crime dramas, particularly those that emphasize cynical attitudes and sexual motivations. The classical period of film noir is generally regarded as extending from the early 1940s to the late 1950s.

The term "film noir" was coined by French film critic Nino Frank in 1946. However, it was not a genre recognized by Hollywood filmmakers themselves at the time; it is a retrospective categorization. Film noir is often identified by its visual style, which is heavily influenced by German Expressionism. This includes low-key lighting, stark shadows, unusual camera angles, and claustrophobic compositions.

Common themes in film noir include moral ambiguity, corruption, disillusionment, fatalism, and paranoia. Protagonists are often anti-heroes, flawed individuals caught in situations beyond their control. The "femme fatale," a seductive and treacherous woman, is a recurring character.

While primarily associated with American cinema, film noir also has roots in other national cinemas, including French poetic realism and German Expressionism. Films considered to be part of the film noir tradition explore the darker aspects of the human condition and reflect the anxieties of the post-war era. Though the classic period ended in the late 1950s, film noir has continued to influence filmmaking, with neo-noir films appearing in subsequent decades. These neo-noir films often update the themes and visual style of the original films for contemporary audiences.