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<p><b>New page</b></p><div>[[file:BigComboTrailer.jpg|thumb|left]] [[file:The_Stranger_(1946)_by_Orson_Welles.webm|thumb|left]] [[file:Marlene_Dietrich_circa_1930_(cropped).png|thumb|right]] [[file:BlackMask1934Oct.jpg|thumb|right]] [[file:OutOfThePastMitchumGreer.jpg|thumb|right]] {{Short description|Cinematic term used primarily to describe stylish Hollywood crime dramas}}<br />
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{{Infobox film genre<br />
| name = Film noir<br />
| image = <br />
| caption = <br />
| stylistic_origins = [[German Expressionism]], [[hardboiled fiction]]<br />
| cultural_origins = Early 1940s, [[United States]]<br />
| notable_works = ''[[The Maltese Falcon (1941 film)|The Maltese Falcon]]'', ''[[Double Indemnity (film)|Double Indemnity]]'', ''[[Sunset Boulevard (film)|Sunset Boulevard]]''<br />
| subgenres = [[Neo-noir]], [[tech-noir]]<br />
| derivatives = [[Neo-noir]]<br />
| regional_scenes = [[Hollywood]]<br />
| other_topics = [[Noir fiction]], [[crime film]]<br />
}}<br />
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'''Film noir''' is a cinematic term used primarily to describe stylish [[Hollywood]] [[crime drama]]s, particularly those that emphasize cynical attitudes and sexual motivations. The term ''film noir'', French for "black film" or "dark film," was first applied to Hollywood films by French critic [[Nino Frank]] in 1946, but was unrecognized by most American film industry professionals of that era.<br />
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== Characteristics ==<br />
Film noir encompasses a range of plots, but the central theme often revolves around crime, moral ambiguity, and complex characters. The visual style of film noir is heavily influenced by [[German Expressionism]], featuring stark lighting contrasts, deep shadows, and unusual camera angles. The narrative style often includes [[flashbacks]], voice-over narration, and intricate plots.<br />
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== Historical Context ==<br />
Film noir emerged in the early 1940s and continued into the late 1950s. The genre was influenced by the disillusionment following [[World War II]] and the influx of European filmmakers to Hollywood. Classic film noir is often associated with the [[Great Depression]] and the [[Cold War]] era, reflecting the societal anxieties of those times.<br />
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== Notable Films ==<br />
Some of the most iconic films in the film noir genre include:<br />
* ''[[The Maltese Falcon (1941 film)|The Maltese Falcon]]'' (1941)<br />
* ''[[Double Indemnity (film)|Double Indemnity]]'' (1944)<br />
* ''[[Sunset Boulevard (film)|Sunset Boulevard]]'' (1950)<br />
* ''[[The Big Sleep (1946 film)|The Big Sleep]]'' (1946)<br />
* ''[[Touch of Evil]]'' (1958)<br />
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== Subgenres and Influence ==<br />
Film noir has given rise to several subgenres, including [[neo-noir]] and [[tech-noir]]. Neo-noir films, such as ''[[Chinatown (1974 film)|Chinatown]]'' (1974) and ''[[Blade Runner]]'' (1982), update the themes and visual style of classic film noir for contemporary audiences. Tech-noir combines elements of film noir with [[science fiction]], as seen in films like ''[[The Terminator]]'' (1984).<br />
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== Legacy ==<br />
The influence of film noir extends beyond cinema to literature, television, and other forms of media. The genre has inspired numerous [[television series]], [[graphic novels]], and [[video games]]. Its themes of moral ambiguity and complex characters continue to resonate with audiences today.<br />
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== See also ==<br />
* [[Neo-noir]]<br />
* [[Tech-noir]]<br />
* [[German Expressionism]]<br />
* [[Crime film]]<br />
* [[Noir fiction]]<br />
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== References ==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
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== External links ==<br />
{{Commons category|Film noir}}<br />
{{Wikiquote|Film noir}}<br />
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[[Category:Film genres]]<br />
[[Category:Crime films]]<br />
[[Category:Film noir]]<br />
[[Category:American film genres]]<br />
[[Category:1940s in film]]<br />
[[Category:1950s in film]]<br />
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