Editing

Editing in Film Noir depends on the narrative, which often include flashbacks. Therefore, the editing/transitions will depend on whether the narrative is in the present or past.

In so many Film Noirs, flashbacks are where the main bulk of the story is told. This is to convey the 'dark' element of Noir even more, as the story has happened, and there's nothing anybody (characters, audience) can do about it. 

As well as this, many Film Noir endings are presented in the opening scene. This is an editing technique to make the audience excited and eager to find out how the character(s) ended up here, and what happened leading up to this moment. 

A trademark element of Film Noir is voiceovers. There is one person, usually the 'every-man', if not, somebody who knew him (but not a main character), narrates the story. This also keeps on reminding the audience that what happens on screen is in the past, not in the present.