Film Noir

A cinematic term used to describe stylish Hollywood crime dramas, particularly those that emphasize moral ambiguity and sexual motivation. Film noir of this period is associated with a low-key black and white visual style that has roots in German Expressionist cinematography, while many of the prototypical stories and much of the attitude of classic noir derive from the crime fiction that emerged in the United States during the Depression.

I am in French 452, which studies the aesthetics of crime in classic French film. I have never taken a film class before, but I am fascinated by the techniques behind it and I now have a greater appreciation for film as an art form, and especially for the film noir period. It is amazing.

If my exciting description of film noir has not tickled your fancy, here's a small taste of the film noir era:



Alain Delon. Pretty much France's Brad Pitt in the 1950s. If this does not make you want to sit down and watch a film noir RIGHT NOW starring him, I don't know what will.