Task 2.1 Research Into Existing Products: Stereotypical Representations of Film Noir Characteristics

Fatalistic Attitudes
A character will often feel like their life is pre-ordained and that free will is an illusion. This is because at the time where film noirs were mass produced many Americans felt hopeless. Fatalism is expressed by one transgression that spirals out of control. The average citizen character makes a mistake that snowballs into much greater problems. Every attempt at correction just makes everything worse. This is often called a spider web of deceit in film noir.

Voice Overs 
Voice Overs are common in this genre. The voice-over narration film noir characteristic represents psychological reflection and introspection by a character. 

Femme Fatale
The femme fatale female archetype originates in film noir. These female characters represent independence, strength and desire, a response to the brief destruction of the demure housewife stereotype. They are often used to emphasize the fatalist attitude in that the male characters feel powerless to resist the women. Often the femme fatale will enter a love triangle with a married man. Another female role is the menaced woman. In film noir, if the main character is female she will often be tormented psychologically or physically by a man, usually a love interest.

Morally Ambiguous Male Protagonist

They are cynical, brooding and obsessive. They lead a seamy existence as private detectives, gangsters or government agents, among others. In film noir, the struggle these characters undergo often ends in failure.   

Cinematography

The cinematography reinforces the darkness in the plot and theme.  Long, sharp shadows are used in film noir as well as inky blackness. Tilted camera angles with a claustrophobic feel emphasize a nocturnal underworld. 

Gloomy Urban Sets

Film noir often takes place indoors in spaces with low-key lighting. Blinds often obscure windows. Exterior scenes include streets and alleys, dark and wet. Flashing neon signs were popular to use in film noir. These type of sets were partially due to war time scarcity. The characters will often be seen in murky streets, cheap, big city apartments or hotel rooms. Abandoned warehouses are also seen in this film noir characteristic.