Film noir codes & conventions from jonsaward
This slideshow highlights the basic conventions of a film noir, but after looking through it I have gone into more depth as to why some of them are the key conventions.
Low key lighting and the use of venetian blinds - this is to show the contrast of dark and light, which represents that there is a bit of darkness and light in everyone.
Everyday urban locations - urban locations are used because they are cities, cities always have lots of different people there which means there is usually lots of crimes there; people find it more scary and intimidating to walk about cities at night because they are more likely to be hurt or get attacked in a dark city by themselves.
Sound - this is important for film noir because there is always, usually a romance between the femme fatale and anti-hero and music plays in the background to reflect seduction and romance. Heavy breathing and footsteps build up tension, because you know someone is running because they are scared and afraid because if they stop they will be attacked. Voice over of protagonist, so the audience understand and know who the lead character is and who's perspective they are watching it from.
This slideshow highlights the basic conventions of a film noir, but after looking through it I have gone into more depth as to why some of them are the key conventions.
Low key lighting and the use of venetian blinds - this is to show the contrast of dark and light, which represents that there is a bit of darkness and light in everyone.
Everyday urban locations - urban locations are used because they are cities, cities always have lots of different people there which means there is usually lots of crimes there; people find it more scary and intimidating to walk about cities at night because they are more likely to be hurt or get attacked in a dark city by themselves.
Sound - this is important for film noir because there is always, usually a romance between the femme fatale and anti-hero and music plays in the background to reflect seduction and romance. Heavy breathing and footsteps build up tension, because you know someone is running because they are scared and afraid because if they stop they will be attacked. Voice over of protagonist, so the audience understand and know who the lead character is and who's perspective they are watching it from.
a good choice of source - your reflection on lighting and urban locations is excellent. The section on sound needs a little more construction - it is a little confused....break it down into: dialogue, sound effects, soundtracks, use of silence, and consider 'amplification of action'/synchronous or asynchronous sound - this will make it clearer and be to a higher level
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