Lighting

Lighting is a key part of any film, but is very obvious and prominent in Film Noir. 

Low-key lighting is used a lot, creating an intense contrast between dark and light, and more visually harsh. 

This type of lighting creates what is called a chiaroscuro effect. Chiaroscuro originated in the Renaissance through paintings. It  This is used in film to create bold contrasts, as I said before, but also to produce a sense of volume in the subject on screen.

Here are some examples of chiaroscuro lighting used in Renaissance paintings. 

The term 'low-key lighting' is used to address any scene/shot which has an intense contrast in lighting. If shadows are outstanding, the contrast in lighting heightens even more.

Low-key lighting changes when filmed inside or outside (interior or exterior). The challenges of filming outside is the natural daylight, as it can disrupt the effect trying to be achieved. Filming outside at night poses fewer problems. Filming inside is much easier, as the ever-changing, uncontrollable natural daylight is at bay. Below are some examples. 

Low-key lighting (interior)

Low-key lighting (exterior)

The use of shadows is a trope of Film Noir. They can be seen as shadows of a person, from blinds, banisters, but they can also be used to conceal certain things, usually characters, who then appear into the light, revealing themselves to the audience. This is used to build tension and excitement, and also an interesting way to reveal something. Shadows can be cast, as I just said, upon an actor, large shadows upon a wall, or upon props/set. Below are some examples.

Equipment

There are certain types of equipment used to create particular effects with lighting.

Gobo

A Gobo is a cut out of a piece of glass or plastic which sits between a light source and the lens of a camera, creating a strong contrasting, harsh shadow. 

Cucocolis

These are a similar piece of equipment to the Gobo. They are cut-outs, of metal, wood or plastic, to create sharp shadow images. The cut-out sits between the light and whatever the shadow is being projected on to. 

Barn Doors/Flags

These are types of equipment used to create an effect called the 'eye-light'. An eye-light is to highlight the eyes and brow, and create a reflection in the eyes. This creates a dramatic and striking effect. 

This effect can be achieved by using 'barn doors' or 'flags'.

Thanks for reading!