Neo-Noir

Because my group have decided to break conventions by having neo-noir'istic' qualities within our OTS I thought it necessary to research into this individual film genre..

Basic Definition: A genre of film that combines elements of traditional film noir with modern themes and visuals.

It wasn't up until after the 1970s that ''Neo-Noir'' as a term, was used by critics to review films - examples of the breakthrough films that were cornered into this small and unique pigeon hole include:

'Hard Eight' & 'After Dark My Sweet' were two films that stayed true to the genre and basic plot of film noir but took a more westernised take on themes and setting.

There are also much more recent takes on 'neo-noir' such as the pre-title sequence of James Bond: Casino Royale (2006)...


Casino Royale (Pre-Title Sequence)
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With quotes such as 'and we barely got to know eachother' & 'i know where you keep your gun', just before an attempt at a gun shot, it really stays true to the melo-dramatic convention of film noir, supported by simple shots and the twisted order of events, numerous flashbacks and the black and white theme. However, it breaks conventions with the clear quality of modern cameras, styling of the actors and locations such as the bathroom being more modern.


Sin City trailer
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Another example of a modern take is Sin City (2005) which sticks to conventions of Film Noir very visually such as the contrast in blacks and whites, light and shadow but then breaks them by adding the odd spots of colour to show significance to certain effects and qualities of the characters. This brings me onto my next convention - mostly all characters are immoral with traits that would not be welcomed in traditional films, the film is promoted very sexually with a storyline that also sticks to the conventions by being very dark and depressing. The director of this film, Frank Miller, uses these traits but puts them together in way that breaks conventions by using very modern methods of filming and themes such as the splashes of colour and editing shots to look as though they are part of a comic book.