History and Context for Neo and film Noir

Film noir is a term used to describe the stylized genre of crime thrillers that were common in the 40's and 50's. It is easily recognizable by its low key lighting paired with black and white visual style. The term noir was first coined by the french critic Neno Frank however most film makers from the classical era were not aware of this term being used. Up until the 60's film noir were only normally produced by American company's it was only until the 60's and on wards did the style spread world wide. It included a heavy use of high and low angle shots to put a skewed and uneasy tone to the film adding a mysterious tone. The use of heavy jazz which was still popular at the time added a sense of sophistication. Common elements of Mise-En-Scene found in film noir are dark rainy streets and everyday locations. The use of sound in noir film has also become iconic such as the use of quite and silence as well as sudden jarring sound such as the sound motif that accompanied the stabbing in psycho. Finally the common themes that the majority of noir films were based on were crime, specifically murder and innocent people being forced into doing crime.  

Neo Noir is the term used to describe a film of that genre created using modern techniques and styles to create a piece that will hold it's own today while still harking back to the old style of noir crime thriller. Some note able Neo Noir films include sin city, Blade runner and Chinatown.