Visual style

- Tend to use dramatic shadows, stark contrast, low-key lighting, and black-and-white rather than color

- Typical film shot in a 10:1 ratio of dark to light (typical movie is 3:1 ratio)

- Many films noirs were shot on location in cities, night time shooting was common to get that really dark look

- Shadows of venetian blinds, dramatically cast upon an actor's face as he or she looks out a window, are a commonly used visual in film noir.

- Film noir is also known for its use of low angle shots and wide angle lenses.

- Other things common in film noir include shots of people in mirrors, shots through a glass, and multiple exposures.