Researching Camera in Film Noir

The cinematography of film noir shows the dark, gritty, and often deceiving visuals are a reflection of the characters, who themselves are dark, gritty, and deceiving. In noir, the cinematography is the main way to tell us about these people and the world they inhabit. As the films were often low-budget, there wasn’t time or money to fund expensive camerawork.

Camera Techniques that are conventional and will be used in our production:
High Angle
Focus Pull
Tracking
Mid shot
Over the Shoulder shot
Close up
Distorted angles
Characters and cameras positioned to clearly display shadows






Here are some examples of camera and composition that is conventional for a Film Noir; they will also feature in our production.



This over the shoulder shot allows easy conversation to take place, it can build up suspense and tension easily with the length of the take being increased.





This close up (and possibly focus pull) is displayed with a distorted angle. The use of this adds to the discomfort that is received by the audience which is conventional to Film Noirs. This is also a low angle shot, giving the person with the gun a portrayal of power.



This High angle (and also distorted) could be a POV shot as well. This angle emphasises the 'darkness' within the Film Noir which again adds to the discomfort for the audience.