Film Noir - Lighting Style.

One of the main features of 'Film Noir' lighting, is the intensity of the darkness, which low key lighting is used to create the shadows. However, the term 'Film Noir' does mean 'Black Film' therefore, the emphasis of the light and dark, is conveyed by a high and low key lighting, which makes it appear as being very accurate and precise. The reason, why 'Film Noir' is effective, is because it involves different lightings such as: low key, high key, under lighting  and back lighting therefore, these lighting effects would create apprehension on the audience, which would make them even more appealed and intrigued in wanting to watch more. 

The still image above is of a couple holding each other maybe for comfort, and high key lighting is strongly used, which is effective on the audience because it makes it look more realistic. Also, top lighting is used on both of the characters faces, however it could be for different meanings. This is because, the use of the top lighting on the female character face, makes her her look glamours and happy, when she looks up at him. Where as, the top lighting is used on the male character face, which makes him look unpleased or maybe uncomfortable being around her, also he looks mysterious because of his facial expressions of him frowning. Moreover, low key lighting is used of the male character in order to create an enigma code towards the audience. The use of a low key lighting is effective on the audience, because it could suggest that he is up to something bad, which is highlighted from the prop of the gun, he is holding behind her back. Furthermore, low key lighting creates shadows, which is even more effective on the audience, because from the image above the shadow on the wall of the male character, could connote he has a dangerous side to him, which is partner is unaware of. 

The short extract above is taken from the film 'Sin City' which uses different lightings. High key lighting mainly is used in this film to make it look more realistic, however at the beginning of this extract, low key lighting is used to highlight a shadow of the male and female character together. At 0:06, top lighting is used on the female character face, to make her look innocent and pretty, where as there is a shade of low key lighting used on the side of the male character face; this could connote that something is going to happen between their relationship. Also, further on in the extract at 1:23-1:25,  high key lighting is strongly used to convey realism, between both males talking. This is effective on the audience, because it makes them wonder what they could be talking about, also it creates suspense in the audiences mind, and low key is lighting is quickly shown, when the man walks pass the guy. The use of a low-key lighting in that specific part of the extract is effective, because it creates an enigma code to the audience; this would make the audience question themselves about who was that man and what did he say to him?. Furthermore, at 1:30 a close up shot is used to show the man face, which indicates his anger. Also, direct mode address  could foreshadow something bad is going to happen later on of the film, because of they way his emotions has been presented. Moreover, high key and low key lighting (under his eyes, side of his face and one side of his blazer) is used in this clip, to connotes that he is furious.