Why chiaroscuro always related to film noir??

[Naim Spark]

The question is, chiaroscuro is the lighting tecnique and film noir is a genre, but why noir always use chiaroscuro in lightup their film?? why noir not use the other lighting technique?? what the differences between chiaroscuro and noir??

[David Mullen ASC]

Chiaroscuro just means "clear/dark" or "light/dark" and refers to the use of strong contrast with heavy use of shadows, what is often called "low-key lighting" in movies. It makes sense for a crime film. Film Noir stylistically comes out of German Expressionism, and the shadows represent a sort of psychological reality.

[Naim Spark]

if i analyze

 

Chiaroscuro just means "clear/dark" or "light/dark" and refers to the use of strong contrast with heavy use of shadows, what is often called "low-key lighting" in movies. It makes sense for a crime film. Film Noir stylistically comes out of German Expressionism, and the shadows represent a sort of psychological reality.

tq sir, im understand that...so how come if i want to analyze chiaroscuro lighting in noir film?? i mean whats the problem statement should be, if i want to make thesis about chiaroscuro lighting in the noir film??what should i discuss??

[Mike Bao]

Do you think noir would work with high key lighting?

High contrast,black and white film stock,long shadows walking on the walls, light rays slicing smoke, wet concrete reflecting neon

lights... It is so poetic!

 

Lighting creates mood, the same way romantic comedies are all full of light, glamorous and flat, rough

stories of megapolis underworld have to be dark and moody.

[David Mullen ASC]

You should read up on chiaroscuro in paintings, read up on German Expressionism, read up on the history of film noir, and then come to your own conclusions. How can we tell you want to write about?

 

At the most simple level, shadows create mystery by suggesting things are hidden -- actions, intentions, threats, etc.

[Naim Spark]

base on my reading, every film noir use chiaroscuro lighting. so how about if i discuss the type of emotion that chiaroscuro deliver in film noir??. for ur opinion, is it relevan to discuss about this??

[David Mullen ASC]

Why don't you first tell us what you think? Can't you think of any emotional qualities that shadowy lighting would create?

[Naim Spark]

im understand what u mean it, so base on my understanding about the shadow in the lighting show the mystery, horror and so on that suitable with this kind of lighting... am i right??

[David Mullen ASC]

Sure, you're correct but can you elaborate?

[Stephen Selby]

I would suggest studying Joseph Wright of Derby and Carravagio's paintings. Exquisite lighting.