This document discusses the key conventions of film noir including character roles, narrative themes, iconography and mise en scene, and technical conventions. It describes the main character roles as cynical protagonists, femme fatales who manipulate men, and corrupt authority figures. The narrative themes include mistrust, paranoia, bleakness, and reflections on the effects of war and the Cold War. Iconography features elements like dark streets, neon signs, guns, and alcohol representing the corrupt urban environment. Technical conventions discussed are low-key lighting, voiceovers, shadows, and nonlinear narratives.

1. Film Noir

2. (1) Character roles
(2) Narrative themes
Film Noir
Conventions
(3) Iconography +
mise en scene
(4)
Technical
conventions

3. (1) Character roles
-Cynical Protagonist
-Femme Fatale
-Corrupt authority figures
Film Noir
Conventions

4. -Cynical Protagonist
Hard heated, cynical, selfless, lonely, physically tough.
Usually meets a beautiful femme fatale who draws him into
a dangerous situation. Is physically or mentally damaged,
usually due to a past trauma or experience.

5. -Femme Fatale
An attractive and seductive woman, especially one who will
ultimately cause distress to a man who becomes involved
with her.
Often uses her sexuality to manipulate the protagonist into
becoming the fall guy

6. -Corrupt authority figures
A character within a position of authority and trust. This status is often
abused for their own personal gain. This role reflects the mistrust and
paranoia narrative theme.

7. (2) Narrative themes
Mistrust and Paranoia.
Bleakness and depression.
Reflecting the effects and
consequences of war.
Film Noir
Conventions
Reflecting the effects of waiting
for the cold war.
1950’s Gender politics.

8. Film Noir
Conventions
(3) Iconography +
mise en scene

9. Typical iconography and
Mise en scene
Film Noir mise en scene/iconography
•Dark sidewalks
•Rain drenched streets
•Flashing neon signs
•A villainous, corrupt and
hostile urban
environment
•Alchohol/Alchoholics
•Cigarettes
•Guns
•Trench cots
•Neon lights

10. Film Noir
Conventions
(4)
Technical
conventions

11. (4) Technical conventions
-Low key lighting

12. (4) Technical conventions
-Voice over/narration

13. (4) Technical conventions
Shadows cast by venetian blinds

14. (4) Technical conventions
Non linear – first person narrative

15. What noir conventions are present?