Why Study Film Noir?

Film Noir is mostly filmed in black and white. It usually has dark themes within the film and it started in the 1950's.

It was the first "Thrillers" in mainstream cinema and it was hugely popular in its day. These films have extremely effective use of mise-en-scene: lighting, characters, make up, proper, costume etc.

What is Film Noir?
. A hero with a past
. A fatal women (femme fatale)
.Mostly set in big American cities
.Most popular after World War 2
.Main themes: sexual politics, crime, the past catching up with you.