LA Noire: How does it use features of film noir?

L.A. Noire created by Rockstar Games uses several conventions typical to film noir. For starters the use of the title being written in neon lights grasps the glamour of film noir yet suggests the corruption through the fact it is flickering like it is broken. Within the introduction scene we see the use of low key lighting with single sources of lights such as lamposts lighting up parts of the city in an eery and enigmatic fashion. Expressionist jazz is played throughout the opening which was a popular genre of that time, it adds to the atmosphere and gives a slight feeling of tension. Almost identical to the opening of LA Confidential a voice over of a man with a deep gravelly voice is played. The feature of a voice over is commonly used in film noir, its quite an eery approach to an overview, its as though the audience is hearing the story from a ghost or something similair. The opening is set at night time with several thick clouds and mist which adds to the enigmatic atmosphere of the game, this is seen frequently in film noir, where the setting and lighting gives a very cold and un trustworthy feel to the setting.

In this image we can see the use of chiaroscuro lighting familair to the film noir genre. A strong shadow has been created on the dimly lit and melancholy scene similair to that of scenes in Double Indemnity, Casino Royale and The Third Man. This increases the mystery and tension and sets the mysterious atmosphere present in many film noir movies.

 The outfits featured are also a typical feature of film noir. Suits and hats add to the detective style story lines and add to the enigma of the game. Suits give the men a business like impression and suggests they are of an upper class and have important duties.  

Guns are another significant prop commonly used in film noir. A gun represents the corruption, aggression and violence present in film noir. It builds up the tension as it is inevitable that someone will die. The lighting in this image shows the moral ambiguity that is seen often in film noir movies such as casino royale. It suggests to the audience that the hero is not everything he seems, half bad and half good, represented by the dark shadow across his face.

Many phrases appeared within the opening such as "City of undercurrents where everything is not what it seems". This iniciates the feeling of deception and underlying secrets, typical to film noir movies. "Chasing shadows" and "Who do you trust" adds to the suspence and tension felt by the audience. It draws them into the chaotic and deceptive life lead by the characters in LA Noire.

The use of a torch is very similair to The Third Man. It acts as a high intensity spot light which reveals small amount of the surroundings at a time. This heightens the tension and adrenalin felt by the audience as though a significant discovery will be revealed at any point. This further draws people in to the story, which is a highly recognisable trait of film noir.

An effective camera technique used in LA Noire is that the camera always moves. It gives a better flow and moves the story at a steady pace, keeping the audience involved and alert. There are also the typical film noir style camera shots such as the rule of thirds, over the shoulder shots and obscured shots to suggest the audience is spying.