film noir

[ nwahr ]

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.

film noir

/ nwɑː /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of film noir¹

1955–60; < French: literally, black film

Word History and Origins

Origin of film noir¹

C20: French, literally: black film

Example Sentences

Whether sleek or jagged, classic film noirs boast a sharp-edged ferocity and despair, as if the world—and the lives of its tiny inhabitants—were perched on the edge of a lethal blade.

From The Daily Beast

The accompanying video has a film noir look that complements the slinky sound.

From The Daily Beast

I grew up a big fan of film noir, but what drew you to the Sin City universe?

From The Daily Beast

But L.A. Confidential was important for temporarily resuscitating film noir.

From The Daily Beast

All the women in this video play up subtle sexiness between colored neon, film noir lighting, and sexy silhouettes.

From The Daily Beast

Mr. Wright attributes this film-noir fantasy to Garry Scarff, who was never a Scientologist.

From The Daily Beast