Aspects of Film Noir In More Modern Trailers & The Neo Noir Style

Neo Noirs are aware of modern technology and issues, including themes such as identity crisis, memory loss and technological problems. However the Neo Noir style is more futuristic such as the film Blade Runner (1982 R.Scott) which would be hard to create in my trailer. I feel that if I was to incorporate aspects of Film Noir in my trailer then it may be hard to create a typical Film Noir feel as the style is typically associated with the 1940s-60s. Therefore, as I want my trailer to seem more modern it may be more successful if I just include aspects of Film Noir rather than trying to create a completely Film Noir style trailer.

I have looked at the trailer for 'Brick' (R.Johnson 2005) as I came across it whilst researching more modern Film Noir type films. In the trailer I concentrated on how aspects of Film Noir were made more modern. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBzX6fFvhwA

The image above shows printscreens that I selected from the trailer that I felt displayed Film Noir elements:

• Printscreen 1 shows a chiaroscuro effect as there is a strong contrast between light and dark. This printscreen also shows a telephone box and lamps that imply a modern urban setting.



• Printscreen 2 shows a gun being fired. In Film Noir film there is often a dramatic death usually someone being shot that shocks the viewer. A low angle shot is used to capture the hand and the gun. This unusual shot used may confuse the viewer adding to the sense of mystery that Film Noirs have.



• Printscreen 3 displays a femme fatale character typical of Film Noir films. However, this character doesn't look as sophisticated as those found in older Film Noirs which gives the trailer a more modern edge.
  
  
• Printscreen 4 shows a normal looking setting of a house or apartment. The low lighting used creates a more mysterious, uncomfortable atmosphere which contrasts with the 'homely' connotations of the setting. Film Noirs often include settings that are obviously 'dangerous' to the viewer such as an abandoned warehouse. The fact that this scene challenges this Film Noir stereotype making it seem more modern.



• Printscreen 5 shows a close-up of a hand in water. The hand is pale and lifeless suggesting that it belongs to a dead body - the theme of death is used in Film Noir films. The close up bird's eye shot used creates a sense of confusion for the viewer as they wonder who the hand belongs to. This theme of confusion and mystery is a common theme in Film Noirs.



• Printscreen 6 is a low lit shot where a hazy light reveals the highlights of a figure's face. The shot seems to have a disorientating feel as the viewer doesn't know where the light has come from. The low lit figure adds a sense of ambiguity to the shot.



• Printscreen 7 also demonstrates the chiaroscuro effect and creates ambiguity as the figure's features aren't made obvious.



• Printscreen 8 is an establishing shot showing the setting of an American high school. Although it could be argued that the setting is quite urban looking (the type usually found in Film Noirs) the setting isn't the kind you'd see in a typical Film Noir as it is more open and exposed - rather than being secluded and hidden like a dark alleyway.