Noir Context

Noir Context/Origins

It is widely agreed on that noir film originated partly from German expressionism, which in turn was influenced by the devastating defeat the German people suffered during WW1. This birthed the atmosphere of despair that was very prominent in noir films.

Noir film drew partly from American network radio in its clever use of soundtrack. Around the time noir movies gained traction, Hollywood became innovative in it's use of soundtrack as an accomplice to the story of the film, rather than simply as adjuncts to image tracks.

Post-war disillusionment gave noir film a mood and an applicable social context. The Allied victory of WW2 did not bring the expected 'peacetime happiness' that many citizens had anticipated. This led to an atmosphere of sadness and depression among veterans and the general population.