The Brief: Back in September 2008, I was asked to create a short opening sequence for a film. I would be working in a group with 3 other students. The sequence has to be 2-3 minutes long and be in the style of a neo-noir. To be sure on the codes and conventions of a neo-noir, I will have to research the noir genre thoroughly, and watch examples of traditional and contemporary noir films. The audience would be aged 15-25 (the main cinema-going audience) and certified at 15. As well as planning a suitable narrative and filming footage, I would have to apply suitable titles and music, and use editing skills to ensure the film is in the noir style. The film must be submitted to the exam board by 1st May 2009, although we will be screening our film before then to the rest of the media class in order to gain useful feedback. On this blog I will record my progress as I take each stage of preparation into creating the film opening.
Research into film noir - the history
Through initial research I found out that film noir is a French term meaning 'black film'. It was first used by the French Film critic Nino Frank in 1946. The genre was seen to be a mix between crime and thriller, and was popular throughout the 40's and 50's. Later in the 50's, small Hollywood studios including 'Monogram', 'PRC', 'Republic' and 'Tiffany' began to produce noir films, though they were considered 'B' movies as they were created on such a low budget.
When the genre became more established, the invention of the neo-noir film came about. This is the type of noir opening I will be creating as it follows many of the traditional noir codes and conventions, but it takes advantage of new modern technologies, characters and scenarios.
Film noir characteristics
Narrative: A film noir can easily be identified by its style of narrative. Lies, blackmail, drug dealing, murderous killing and a 'who-done-it' case are common aspects of a noir narrative.
Locations: Film noir directors choose dark, secluded locations to create a feeling of loneliness. Popular choices for location include darkened hotel rooms with little furniture and streaks of light seeping through a small window, or deserted alleyways and train tunnels filled with darkness. I have also noticed, through watching noir examples, that the majority of the action occurs at night, which makes the scene naturally dark.
Character roles: Like in most film genres, the same type of characters appear in each one. Below I have created a table that shows the popular noir characters, how they behave and how they dress:
Lighting: This is one of the key points in a film noir. Directors would use lighting to create long creepy shadows and dark corners to create a specific atmosphere of anticipation. A popular shadow used in film noir would be the Venetian blind. They are used to cast long strange lines across characters, and are used to confuse the audience. Traditional and neo-noirs use this type of shadowing so often in their films that it has become known as the Venetian Blind Effect.
- Examples of the Venetian Blind Effect
Sound: In noir films, sound is used to add atmosphere to certain scenes, and to introduce characters. Diegetic sound is used for footsteps and 'city noise' (cars and people walking about) and pleonastic sound is often used so startle the audience and also create the sense of loneliness. Voice overs are also used frequently in noirs to show a character's thoughts. This is most noticeable in the film 'Detour' by Edgar. G. Ulmar.
Looking at noir style images
Below I have found 4 images whilst researching that I think portray a very noiristic style. The first one (top left) is a good example of a Dutch tilt shot. The image is very dark and the worry on the man's face adds a sense of mystery. The second image (top middle) is one that appeared each time I searched for film noir images. The cloudy smoke and the silhouette shapes of the 2 characters is very noiristic, and the female-fatal featuring as typical character found in noir films. The third image (top right) contains a big mixture of noir characteristics. The Venetian blinds, the mystery man in a top-hat and the shadowy furniture all add up to create a dark, gloomy image. The blue colouring of the image is quite unusual though it still gives the image a sense of darkness. The fourth image (bottom left) shows a man about to enter an alleyway. He's wearing a typical noir costume and the darkness and shadows add mystery.
Below I have found 4 images whilst researching that I think portray a very noiristic style. The first one (top left) is a good example of a Dutch tilt shot. The image is very dark and the worry on the man's face adds a sense of mystery. The second image (top middle) is one that appeared each time I searched for film noir images. The cloudy smoke and the silhouette shapes of the 2 characters is very noiristic, and the female-fatal featuring as typical character found in noir films. The third image (top right) contains a big mixture of noir characteristics. The Venetian blinds, the mystery man in a top-hat and the shadowy furniture all add up to create a dark, gloomy image. The blue colouring of the image is quite unusual though it still gives the image a sense of darkness. The fourth image (bottom left) shows a man about to enter an alleyway. He's wearing a typical noir costume and the darkness and shadows add mystery.
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