Film Noir Characteristics
The Genre, Cinematography, and Plot Traits
Film noir is recognized as both a genre of film and a time period, heavily associated with the black and white films of the late 1940s through the 1950s. The literal characteristics of a film noir classic include: cynical heroes, stark lighting effects emphasized by the black and white rendering, frequent use of flashbacks, intricate plots, and an underlying existentialist philosophy.
Although it varies, plots follow the protagonist through a crime-ridden journey in the setting of a city or other high traffic areas, subplots sprinkled throughout. The intricacies of the plot, or giving the audience the ability to webweave the story, is another key aspect of film noir. Main characters often are morally ambigious, considering their involvement against the law or corruption required for the resolution of the film conflict.
As for literal cinematography, film noir references the German Expressionist style with its strategic use of what is described as "gloomy" and "day-for-night" lighting.