Difference Between Noir and Neo-Noir

Noir vs Neo-Noir

“Noir” is a term related to films. It was Nino Frank who coined the term “noir” in 1946. But film critics or filmmakers did not use this term for several decades. Noir relates to a time frame between the early 1940s and late 1950s.

The films that came under the category of noir typically dealt with psychological thrillers and crime dramas. Almost all the films during this period had the same plot or theme with unique visual effects. The characters were often depicted as anti-heroes who had to face difficult situations. Noir films often deal with the underworld, gangsters, and criminals fighting each other and against the world. The shots were from unusual places, and the visual elements included the use of more light and shadow and low lighting.

Neo-noir was a term that came to be used in the 1970s. Unlike noir films, the neo-noir films made use of modern technology that was unknown to noir films. Unlike noir films, neo-noir films also made use of the modern circumstances. Neo-noir films developed because of certain social attitudes.

It can be seen that noir films made the audiences to build a relationship with the anti-heroes. But this was often revised in neo-noir films. In the neo-noir films, one can come across unconventional camera movements. The plot was framed in such a way that the audience feels that they are just watching films and not taking part in the actions or story like in noir films.

Some of the themes that are seen in neo-noir films include identity crises, subjectivity, technology, social ramifications, and memory issues.

Summary:

1.“Noir” is a term related to films. It was Nino Frank who coined the term “noir” in 1946.
2.The films that came under the category of noir typically dealt with psychological thrillers and crime dramas.
3.Neo-noir was a term that came to be used in the 1970s. Unlike noir films, the neo-noir films made use of modern technology that was unknown to noir films.
4.The characters in noir films were often depicted as anti-heroes who had to face difficult situations. Noir films often deal with the underworld, gangsters, and criminals fighting each other and against the world.
5.Some of the themes that are seen in neo-noir films include identity crises, subjectivity, technology, social ramifications, and memory issues.
6.It can be seen that noir films made the audiences build a relationship with the anti-heroes, but this was often revised in neo-noir films.

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