Film Noir - Research - Technical Aspects

Film Noir consists of many technical aspects that make it a style of film-making, as it is not considered to be a genre in its own right.

Lighting

Lighting is always dramatic. The style known as chiaroscuro is a feature of many classic film noirs, which is low key lighting with stark light/dark contrasts and dramatic shadow patterning.
Venetian blinds or banister rods, cast upon an actor, a wall, or an entire set, are an iconic visual in noir.

In film noir there are different ways to light men and women.
Lighting for Men: Dark, moody, quite harsh
Lighting for women: Soft, highlights the beauty of the actress, whilst covering age and making the actress appear younger than she actually is.

Camera Shots & Angles

Camera angles such as low-angle, wide-angle and Dutch angle* shots are often used in film noir. Some of the camera shots and angles chosen appear strange as they can often be disorientating for the viewer, for example:

Shot of people reflected in one or more mirrors shots
Shots through curved or frosted glass

^* A Dutch angle involves titling the camera off to the side; used frequently in "The Third Man" and is a favoured by modern director Danny Boyle. 

e.g.