Definition: Neo-noir is a modern version of the classic film noir genre, popular in the 1940s and 1950s. Unlike Film Noir films, which often had black-and-white visuals, stark lighting, and post-war disillusionment themes, neo-noir includes contemporary issues (such as corporate corruption), color visuals, and more complex characters. Neo-noir still maintains a dark, cynical mood and crime-focused plots.
To understand Neo-noir, you first need to understand Film Noir. You can’t have one without the other because Neo-noir evolved directly from the latter.
Below, you can see how neo-noir came about and how it differs from Film Noir and its offspring, Tech-Noir:
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Origin and Meaning
Film noir, a term coined by French critics after World War II, refers to a genre of American films from the 1940s and 1950s characterized by their dark, pessimistic atmosphere and morally ambiguous characters.
Neo-noir (meaning “new black”), on the other hand, is a modern continuation and evolution of the classic film noir genre, extending its themes and visual style into a contemporary context.
Emerging in the late 1960s and gaining prominence in subsequent decades, neo-noir adapts the foundational elements of film noir to address more contemporary issues, reflecting the changing societal concerns over time.
In his article Life Après Noir (1976), Larry Gross points to Point Blank (1967) (among others) as part of a new wave of films that might nominally be labeled ‘noir,’ but which were simultaneously “attempting to shift from a psychological to a sociological analysis and to aggress against Hollywood narrative conventions. See Where to begin with neo-noir (2016), by screenwriter Paul O’Callaghan.
In this view, Point Blank (1967) can be considered the first American neo-noir film, although Wikipedia lists neo-noir films dating back to 1960.
From Black-and-White to Color
Unlike the predominantly black-and-white palette of classic film noir, neo-noir often incorporates color cinematography.
While still stark and dramatic, neo-noir lighting often utilizes modern cinematographic techniques and technology to create more sophisticated visual effects. This can include playing with colors, shadows, and contrasts to evoke a particular mood or sense of ambiguity, much like its predecessor, but with newer tools at its disposal.
Color is not merely aesthetic but frequently employed to enhance emotional depth and thematic complexity.
A good example is Chinatown (1974), directed by Roman Polanski, which integrates color in a way that significantly contributes to its noir atmosphere. The selective use of muted earth tones helps create a dusty, thirsty atmosphere, symbolizing the water scarcity central to the movie’s plot.
Another example is Body Heat (1981), directed by Lawrence Kasdan. The warm, intense reds and oranges used throughout the film visually represent the heat literally and figuratively, amplifying the passionate, dangerous liaisons between the characters and driving the emotional intensity of the narrative.
More Complex Characters and Themes
Both film noir and neo-noir feature anti-heroes and femme fatales—flawed protagonists who navigate a hostile and uncaring world.
Read more about the femme fatale in film.
However, Neo-noir characters often embody greater psychological depth and multi-faceted nature, reflecting modern understandings of psychology and human behavior. Contemporary issues such as corporate corruption, identity crises, the impact of technology on society, and urban existentialism became common.
These themes are explored within the same morally ambiguous universe traditional to noir but framed within modern life’s anxieties and dilemmas.
Corporate Corruption
Corporate corruption often surfaces in neo-noir films, reflecting modern anxiety about the immense power and moral bankruptcy of large corporations that manipulate individuals and society for profit.
A good example is Michael Clayton (2007), where the protagonist, a law firm’s “fixer,” unravels a case of agricultural products causing cancer, covered up by a massive corporation. This film dives deep into the ethical quagmire within corporate giants, showcasing how they often operate in a grey zone of morality, prioritizing profits over ethics.
Identity Crises
Identity crises play a central role in many neo-noir films, mirroring contemporary concerns with self-discovery and authenticity amidst societal pressures.
In Memento (2000), the protagonist suffers from short-term memory loss and uses notes and tattoos to hunt for his wife’s murderer. This film explores themes of memory, identity, and the subjective nature of truth. It highlights how modern individuals can feel disconnected from their identities and realities due to psychological and environmental factors.
Impact of Technology on Society
Neo-noir films frequently examine the impact of technology on society, often highlighting the dystopian aspects of technological advancements.
Blade Runner (1982) is a seminal film in this category (see also tech noir) because it raises profound questions about humanity’s nature and the ethical implications of technological progress. It encapsulates fears about dehumanization and losing control over one’s destiny in the technological age.
Urban Existentialism
Another hallmark of neo-noir is the feeling of urban existentialism, portraying characters who grapple with existential dread within the confines of a modern cityscape. Taxi Driver (1976) illustrates this through the eyes of Travis Bickle, a mentally unstable veteran navigating the crime-ridden streets of New York City.
The film explores loneliness and alienation, amplified by the urban setting, and presents a stark look at the struggle to find meaning in an increasingly indifferent world.
Summing Up
While neo-noir inherits many core attributes from classic film noir, including a cynical attitude and a dark, brooding atmosphere, it distinguishes itself through its use of color, advanced cinematic techniques, deeper characterizations, and themes that resonate with contemporary audiences.
Up Next: Essential Neo-noir movies you need to know.
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