film noir

American  

[nwahr] / nwɑr /

noun

1. a motion picture with an often grim urban setting, photographed in somber tones and permeated by a feeling of disillusionment, pessimism, and despair.

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film noir British  

/ nwɑː /

noun

1. a gangster thriller, made esp in the 1940s in Hollywood characterized by contrasty lighting and often somewhat impenetrable plots

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Etymology

Origin of film noir

1955–60; < French: literally, black film

Example Sentences

Having named the genre, the French can claim a special connection to that loose collection of cinematic tropes we call film noir.

From The Wall Street Journal

The track could score a film noir sequence, its narrative betraying months of romantic turmoil.

From Los Angeles Times

Dark film noir compositions alternate with bright sunny street scenes.

From Los Angeles Times

But the film noir lighting on Anderson’s eyes is spot-on, as are two sight gags that are built around the set’s extreme shadows.

From Los Angeles Times

Opera in its advertisements likens it to film noir.

From Los Angeles Times