What is Neo-noir ?

Neo-noir

By Jake Bromley

Neo-noir is a style used in modern films that utilizes the themes, visual element of film noir but are more up to date, the term neo-noir comes from the Greek word neo, meaning: New and the French word noir which means: Black. Film noir which was popular during the 1940’s and 1950’s that typically show morally conflicted characters trapped in difficult scenarios. Visual elements contain low key lighting, unusual camera angles and use of chiaroscuro which involves; the strong contrasts between black and white. In the 1960’s very few film noir style films were as major as the classic film noir films therefore a new style of film that was similar to film noir but had updated methods and styles, this was Neo-noir. Until the 1970’s film critics refused to acknowledge Neo-noir as its own independent genre. The differences between neo-noir and film noir are significant, where film noir gave the audience the impression that they were involved with the story and could relate, neo-noir constantly would remind their audience that they were watching a film and were not actually involved with the events of the film this was shown by; new and unconventional shots. Neo-noir unlike film noir was the first to show an awareness of modern situations and recent technology. An example of Neo-noir would be Blade Runner (1982) which is a futuristic science fiction film that is a prime example of Neo-noir due to its style; Blade Runner contains all the elements of a film noir, but has been updated this shown through the lighting which is all very dark except with the use of harsh lighting to add to the scene, the protagonist follows the same characteristics as film noir anti-heroes, such as mixing the brutal violence and a down and out detective to give a new feeling but also give the audience the impression that they can familiarize this new style with style they are already familiar with.