Difference between revisions of "Film noir"
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| − | '''Film noir''' - [[French]] for "dark film" - is a [[movie|cinematic]] term used to describe a motion picture stylized to create a mood of moral ambiguity. "Good guys" are often inseparable from "bad guys," good may not always win, and the purported "hero" of the film may not be a likable character. | + | '''Film noir''' - [[French]] for "dark film" - is a [[movie|cinematic]] term used to describe a motion picture stylized to create a mood of moral [[ambiguity]]. "Good guys" are often inseparable from "bad guys," good may not always win, and the purported "hero" of the film may not be a likable character. |
Realistic, rather than glorified, depiction of [[violence]] has always been characteristic of ''film noir'' technique. | Realistic, rather than glorified, depiction of [[violence]] has always been characteristic of ''film noir'' technique. | ||
While ''film noir'' was applied in early [[Hollywood]] without this problem, in modern times, ''film noir'' pictures often include sexuality, nudity, and characteristics that make the films not family-friendly. | While ''film noir'' was applied in early [[Hollywood]] without this problem, in modern times, ''film noir'' pictures often include sexuality, nudity, and characteristics that make the films not family-friendly. | ||
Revision as of 04:46, January 5, 2008
Film noir - French for "dark film" - is a cinematic term used to describe a motion picture stylized to create a mood of moral ambiguity. "Good guys" are often inseparable from "bad guys," good may not always win, and the purported "hero" of the film may not be a likable character. Realistic, rather than glorified, depiction of violence has always been characteristic of film noir technique. While film noir was applied in early Hollywood without this problem, in modern times, film noir pictures often include sexuality, nudity, and characteristics that make the films not family-friendly.
Examples, without spoilers, are: - The Maltese Falcon, a famous movie starring Humphrey Bogart as an uncouth, selfish, but effective private detective in 1940s San Fransisco. - Pan's Labyrinth, a 2007 award-winning Spanish movie, offered in America with subtitles, about a young girl's difficult life in revolutionary Spain during World War II. The juxtaposition of a darkened mood with stylized fantasy characters makes for an especially unique presentation.