noir authorities contend films from the 1930s should be included in this genre (Part 1 1). In reality almost every critic has a different definition of film noir and a list of films and dates with which to support their claim. While there are other elements of film noir than those included on the following list, and while not all noir films contain all of these elements all the time, the ones included are representative of most films considered classic film noir:
Dark, shadowy, contrasty, images filmed in black and white-often at night and usually in a gritty urban setting
Hard-boiled, cynical, disillusioned characters-who are nevertheless usually likable
A male protagonist facing a moral dilemma and/or some kind of threat
An alluring, sassy, independent and usually dangerous woman (who often suffers for independence)
Crisp, often witty dialogue, sprinkled with great
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