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CMST 230 Small Group Communication: Criteria Example: Film Noir

This guide will assist students in CMST 230 with their research assignments.

Wilder, B. (1944). Double Indemnity [film still].

Image: Wilder, B. (Director.) (1944.) Double Indemnity [film still]. Retrieved from https://mancunion.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/Doubleindemnity_3170578b.jpg​

Example: Creating Criteria from Research (Film Noir)

Film Noir (art form)

Theme Ideas (Criteria) 

(Taken from the reference article linked above)

  • crime films
  • emphasizes darkness
  • Uses chiaroscuro lighting, shadows/light & smoke
  • Characters dealing with paranoia or flawed situations, dangerous relationships
  • Tilted camera angles

Film Examples (Titles)

(Taken from the reference article & scholarly article linked above)

  • The Dark Corner
  • Detour
  • Double Indemnity
  • I Wake Up Screaming
  • The Maltese Falcon
  • Mildred Pierce
  • Out of the Past