Cigarette smoking is a common substance in film noir, all the actors in film noir smokes .John John Wayne Gacy once said, “Johnny must catch the murderers so that he can get the girl.” Film noir is a film genre that has different styles and moods, film noir originated in the early 1930s and 1940s. The films were influenced by the political environment and World War 11, Film noir is made up of mistrust, fear, and bleakness, which reflects World War 11.The film “Woman on the Run” has multiplied elements that make the film a film noir, such as Heavy Smoking, Detectives, Anti-Protagonist, Female Fatale, and Urban city. These elements are most outstanding in Film noir because of the role and the characters of each actor. The population of smokers in film noir and “Woman on the Run,” film, A new generation of writers is pushing aside the fog of cigarette smoke surrounding classic noir scholarship (Miklitsch). A British actor of film noir Benedict Cumberbatch once said, “In order to get the whole film noir detective thing I smoked a lot and drank a lot of whisky.” He also went on to say, “I used to smoke quite a bit and it deepened my voice.” Smoking in film noir could also reflect inner turmoil and the need for drugs to show a sophisticated moment. During the making of film noir it was supposedly World War 11, so everyone was nervous about the war which led them to smoking and the consumption of alcohol which was used as a substance to relieve stress. The War Horse star gave up tobacco several years ago but decided to start puffing on cigarettes again while preparing for the upcoming Musical City of Angels, which harks back to the age of film noir detective movies (Miklitsch). The The Inspiration of hard-boiled detectives in film noir to other detectives’ film and “Woman on the Run.” The term “film noir” still conjures up images of a uniquely American malaise: hard-boiled detectives, but from its beginnings, film noir has been an international phenomenon, and its stylistic icons have migrated across the complex geopolitical terrain of world cinema (fay and Nieland). Anti- Protagonists lose control in the worst place than when the movie begins, they are often categorized as the tough guys and bad boys; they contribute a lot to a film noir film. The Anti-Protagonist’s characteristics and motives in “Woman on the Run” and film noir film, The Anti- Protagonist is known to have a twist and followed by a femme fatale (Learner). Detectives are sometimes the protagonist of the film; a detective protagonist would become embroiled in a case of corruption, violence, and death, leading to the uncovering of truth. Detecting men examines the history of the Hollywood detective genre and the ways that detective film has negotiated changing social attitudes toward masculinity, heroism, law enforcement, and justice (Gates). Anti-Protagonist are recognized as one of the main characters, these anti- protagonist kill someone or become involved in a crime.
Throughout the film “Woman on the Run,” you can see that the detectives play a significant role in the movie, the detective does not solve the crime for personal gain or selfish reasons but only for justice and truth. Look at how detective films have reflected and shaped our ideas about masculinity, heroism, law and order, and national identity. These vigilante detective films presented masculinity that is tough, independent, violent, and thriving in the war against crime. They do the dirty jobs when no one else can and ignore superiors orders and abandon the rules of the force to get the job done. The The Femme Fatale and what she represents in film noir and “Woman on the Run” Film. During World War 11, wives were only allowed to stay home and be housewives, so when film noir came out, this was a way for homemakers to get a break to feel empowered and independent. Especially in cinema, the image of women can reduce into a sign of everything and anything but herself, reminiscent of the femme fatale figure in the classic noir film (Azziz). The film “Woman on the Run,” Mrs. Femme fatale is by many the central character figure of film noir; she is mysterious and seductive, known for using her charms to trap men and get them into dangerous and, most often, deadly situations. A femme Fatale character does not always have to be the one to use their attractiveness, provocative, and appearance to lure men in manipulating them to gain money, power, and independence. Johnson from the film “Woman on the Run” had to be on the run because her husband saw a murder then Mrs. A femme fatale may also be a victim caught in a situation from which she cannot escape, Mrs. A strong, ambitious woman endangers men’s lives in the film genre. Johnson would be recognized as the female Fatale because of her braveness and strength; in the film, she was a solid and sturdy individual who stood up for what she wanted. Her main characteristics are using her feminine sexual traits to achieve hidden purposes and get what she wants. Audience members know the character’s relationship will disintegrate; love becomes an obsession (Learner). The wife was left behind to be harassed by both the detective and the anti-protagonist. After the husband went on the run for his life from the detective because he was wanted as a witness, the anti -protagonist Johnny boy wanted to find Mr. Johnson and kill him. The wife was left behind to be harassed by both the detective and the anti-protagonist.
Nonetheless, feminist critics are also fully aware of the trap of any theoretical complacency recognizing that the representation of women in revenge narrative can also be male serving. Especially in cinema, the image of women can reduce into a sign of everything and anything but herself, reminiscent of the femme fatale figure in the classic noir film (Azziz). Femme fatale is by many the central character figure of film noir; she is mysterious and seductive, known for using her charms to trap men and get them into dangerous and, most often, deadly situations. Her main characteristics are using her feminine sexual traits to achieve hidden purposes and get what she wants. During World War 11, wives were only allowed to stay home and be housewives, so when film noir came out, this was a way for homemakers to get a break to feel empowered and independent.
Film noir is a genre of film that is distinct and recognizable in its visual style, narrative, and themes. It is often characterized by its dark and sinister atmosphere, moral ambiguity, and a focus on crime and criminals. The 1950 film, Woman on the Run, is a classic example of film noir. The film follows the story of Frank Johnson, a man who is accused of murder, and the police detective, Ann Sheridan, who is determined to find him. The first element that makes Woman on the Run a classic film noir is its visual style. The film has a dark and brooding feel, with heavy shadows and stark lighting. This evokes a sense of dread and unease, which is a key element of the film noir genre. Additionally, the film utilizes a lot of low-angle shots, which gives the film an expressionistic feel, and adds to the feeling of dread and unease (“What Is Film Noir?”).
The second element that makes Woman on the Run a classic film noir is its narrative. The protagonist of the film is an anti-hero, Frank Johnson, who is on the run from the law. This is a classic trope in film noir, where the protagonist is often a criminal or an anti-hero. Additionally, the film features a femme fatale character, Ann Sheridan, who is both a detective and a love interest for Johnson. This is another classic trope of the film noir genre, as the femme fatale often serves as a moral ambiguity for the protagonist.
The third element that makes Woman on the Run a classic film noir is its themes. The film focuses on themes of corruption, crime, and morality, which are all key themes of the genre. Additionally, the film has a dark and cynical outlook on life, which is another key theme of film noir.
Therefore, Woman on the Run is a classic example of film noir, due to its visual style, narrative, and themes. The film has a dark and brooding visual style, with heavy shadows and stark lighting. It features a classic anti-hero protagonist, and a femme fatale character. Additionally, the film focuses on themes of corruption, crime, and morality. All of these elements combine to make Woman on the Run a classic example of film noir.
Film noir is a distinct type of film genre characterized by dark, brooding themes, mysterious plots, and characters who are often driven by desperation and greed. It originated in the 1940s and reached its peak in the 1950s. It has since become a staple of cinema and is widely recognized as an important and influential genre (Maltby & Richard).
The most identifiable elements of film noir are its use of cinematography, mise-en-scène, and narrative. Cinematography is a key element of film noir, as it often uses low-key lighting, deep focus shots, and jarring camera angles to create a sense of unease and suspense. Low-key lighting casts a pallor over the scenes and characters, creating a dark and moody atmosphere. Deep focus shots allow the audience to take in the entire scene, allowing them to make connections and draw conclusions. Jagged camera angles create a sense of disorientation and unease, furthering the sense of mystery and tension.
The mise-en-scène of film noir is also an important element. This is the visual composition of the film and includes elements such as the set design, costumes, props, and lighting. In film noir, sets are often dark and moody, with heavy shadows and stark contrasts. Costumes are often drab and muted, with characters often wearing trench coats, fedoras, and suits. Props are often used to add to the atmosphere and can include items such as guns and cigarettes. Lighting is used to create a sense of mystery and suspense, often using deep shadows and stark contrasts (The Culture Trip, The Culture Trip,).
The narrative is also an important element of film noir. This is the story that the film is telling. In film noir, the stories often involve an investigation of a crime or mystery, with the protagonist often uncovering clues and unraveling the mystery. The stories often have a strong sense of morality, with the protagonist often having to make difficult decisions and choices. The narrative is often told in a non-linear fashion, with flashbacks and dream sequences often used to tell the story.
Furthermore, the characters of film noir are often some of the most iconic of any genre. These characters are often portrayed as being morally ambiguous and driven by desperation and greed. The protagonists are often flawed and have a strong sense of morality, while the antagonists are often portrayed as ruthless and unsympathetic. These characters are often portrayed as being in a world of their own and are often alienated from the rest of society.
Another element of film noir is the mood and tone of the film. Film noir often has a dark, brooding atmosphere. The stories are often pessimistic and explore themes of crime, corruption, and moral ambiguity. The characters often have a cynical attitude and are presented as morally ambiguous. The atmosphere of the film is often oppressive and bleak, creating a sense of dread and tension.
The setting of a film noir is also an important element. These films are often set in dark, seedy, and dangerous underworlds. The settings tend to be urban, and the locations often include bars, nightclubs, and dimly lit alleyways. The settings are often populated by criminals, gangsters, and other shady characters.
The themes explored in film noir are often dark and pessimistic. The stories often explore themes of crime, corruption, and moral ambiguity. The stories often have a fatalistic outlook and explore the darker side of human nature (Filmsite, American Film Institute).
Another key element of film noir is its use of dialogue. Film noir is known for its hard-boiled dialogue, which is often terse and cynical. This style of dialogue helps to create a sense of suspense and tension. The characters often speak in a clipped, direct manner, which helps to move the story along and keeps the audience engaged. The music used in film noir also helps to create a unique atmosphere. The music is often tense and suspenseful and helps to create a sense of tension. The music is often used to heighten the drama and create a sense of dread. The narrative structure of film noir is also an important element. Film noir often employs a non-linear narrative structure, which helps to create a sense of mystery and suspense. This structure helps to create a sense of confusion and keeps the audience guessing.
In conclusion, film noir is a distinct type of film genre characterized by dark, brooding themes, mysterious plots, and characters who are often driven by desperation and greed. Its elements of cinematography, mise-en-scène, narrative, and characters are all essential elements of the genre and are what make film noir so distinct and influential. By analyzing the cinematography, mise-en-scène, narrative, and characters of a film, one can get a better understanding of its genre and the themes it portrays.
Work Cited
“Film Noir.” Filmsite, American Film Institute, filmsite.org/filmnoir.html.
“Stylistic Elements of Film Noir Explained in One Handy Infographic.” No Film School, No Film School, 22 July 2015, nofilmschool.com/2015/07/stylistic-elements-film-noir-explained-one-handy-infographic.
“The Dark and Distinctive Elements of Film Noir.” The Culture Trip, The Culture Trip, 19 Apr. 2018, theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/california/articles/the-dark-and-distinctive-elements-of-film-noir/.
“What Is Film Noir?” Librarypoint, Librarypoint, 17 June 2016, www.librarypoint.org/blogs/post/what-is-film-noir/.
Maltby, Richard. “The Dark and Distinctive Elements of Film Noir.” The Culture Trip, The Culture Trip, 31 Mar. 2019, theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/california/articles/the-dark-and-distinctive-elements-of-film-noir/.
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