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The most apparent aspect of visual style in film noir is the conflict between light and dark. Only small areas of light are apparent through the constant darkness. This gives the scenes a depressing and oppressive feel to them. There is a constant feel of being imprisoned which perfectly compliments the narrative which surrounds the characters. ”The characteristic film noir moods of claustrophobia, paranoia, despair and nihilism constitute a world view that is expressed not through the film’s terse, elliptical dialogue, nor through their confusing, often insoluble plots, but ultimately through their remarkable style” (Janey Place and Lowell Peterson, 1974) Film Noir literally means black film a term originally used by French film critics about American detective films made after the war. Noir used black and white film even though by the early 1940’s it was possible to shoot in colour. The use of black and white was to give the films a more realistic feel to them as if they were more of a documentary or a news-reel; it also gave noir the grittiness associated with them. The darkness of Film Noir can be seen in the style of the films and most obviously in the lighting used. Noir lighting is “low-key” wh