LF: Film Noir Coventions

Film Noir sub-genre is the use of visual motifs, which feature strong shadows that often obscure the characters in focus. Film Noir conventionally features archetypal characters who play prominent roles in the fiction, most notably the femme fatale. The combination of visual motifs and archetypal characters accentuate the pessimistic world view that underlies successful Film Noir. Adherence to these conventions of the sub-genre generates powerful, effective Film Noir.

• The use of visual motifs is a significant convention featured in the Film Noir subgenre of Crime Fiction.
• The lighting in the subgenre is very dark and often partially, if not fully, obscures the faces of characters.
• This is a visual device used predominantly in intense moments to add to the uncertainty of the scene.
• Shadows are used to obscure the protagonist’s and other significant characters’ faces, which is a technique that distances the reader through their perceived lack of clear understanding of the characters.