Film noir

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. 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. Realistic, rather than glorified, depiction of violence has always been characteristic of film noir technique.

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. One of the most famous films of all time, this is bassed off of Dashiell Hammet's novel of the same name. - Brick, a 2005 movie about a teenage girl's disappearance and her ex-boyfriend's search to uncover the truth. Well noted for it's atmosphere and environment, this movie takes place in a suburban setting and involves high school age characters.