We were recently given the brief for our coursework project:

To create a short film noir, no longer than 5 minutes.

Complete two ancillary tasks chosen out of the following:

                                                                                 A radio advert promoting your film.

                                                                                 A film poster for your film.

                                                                                 A magazine review page for your film. 

We are currently watching various 'film noirs' to get a feel for the conventions and patterns in this very unique style of film. It soon became apparent that this style of film is very different from any other however officially it does fit into the 'crime drama' genre, typically produced in Hollywood. Some of the key conventions I have already picked up on from the examples we have seen are:

• Extreme low and high angle shots
• Dutch angles emphasising disorientation
• Extreme close ups
• Strong depth of field
• Isolation
• Reflections, blinds and obscured faces and objects
• Extreme weather
• Fragmentation of both male and female characters to show distinguish between shifts in dominant roles.
• Low key lighting and strong, bold shadows
• Suburban/ Urban settings
• Downbeat Jazz music; Brass instruments, Saxophones and Piano are common 
• Omniscient voice over (usually the hero)
• Heavy breathing and smoking by most characters
• Usually shot in the day time with a night filter
• Themes of passion, sexual obsession and murder are common