1940-50’sThe 1940’s was considered the pioneer genre of Film Noir. In 1941 John Huston made his Debut film ‘The Maltese Falcon’ This film was a massive success because of the world class actors featured in the film. Also because this was one of the first films of its type it was very immersive and new to the viewer.

The Maltese Falcon‘The Maltese Falcon’ which is an early style of Film Noir still contained some of the components which we see in modern day films… Femme Fatale and the Lead Role

Femme FataleLead Character (Charmer)

1960-70’s• The 1960’s saw the

introduction of neo-noir films and also some big titles such as ‘The Criminal’ (1960) and ‘The Naked Kiss’ (1964). These films introduced new aspects to the genre such as prostitution and drug smuggling.

The Naked Kiss• Kelly Towers is a prostitute

who tries to change her ways to stop her being kicked out of town by sheriff Griff Eisley. However Kelly falls for the sheriffs best friend J.L Grant. After persuading Eisley that there in love he agrees to be best man at the wedding. However there is a story twist as Kelly arrives at Grants Mansion. This film introduces prostitution and treachery on the noir scene.

1980-1990’s• The new decade

brought us great films such as ‘LA Confidential’ (1997) and even the blockbuster classic ‘Scarface’ (1983). Filming techniques had significantly improved by now and so films were constantly getting more immersive.

LA Confidential• LA Confidential is the

story of 3 LAPD officers who get caught up on a trail of murder, corruption and drugs after a multiple homicide at a Nite Owl Coffee shop. This film again has elements of treachery amongst friends because of Veronica Lane, who is LA Confidential’s ‘Femme Fatale’

2000-Current• Film Noir’s new era is now

considered to be Neo-Noir however the elements are still the same which were used in early films such as ‘The Maltese Falcon’ The top noir directors were coming up with great new ideas such as ‘Brick’ were it contains classic noir elements however it is set in a high school.

Brick• Brick was a film released in

2005 and is often regarded as one of the cleverest as it plays on the stereotypical conventions of Noir. The usual story lines run through this film however it has been set in a high school. This is a clever twist as its regarded as a ‘bittersweet change’ to both Film Noir and Neo-Noir.