The Two Images below are from the film Double Indemnity (top) and LA Confidential (bottom). Both of these films are in the category of film noir, a style of film developed in the 1940s about crime dramas. Film noir is known for having unique effects imbedded into the film. Some of these characteristics are seen in these images below from the films.

        For example, the lighting in both images peeks through gaps in a wall, creating an eerie effect for the audience. The light also reveals the silhouette of a character. Without context, it is impossible to tell who the figure is, this artistic aspect always makes it very suspenseful for the audience. In most movie scenes, the director will be sure to light up the stage with enough light so the audience can see the characters faces clearly. The director intentionally omitted lights and placed them in awkward positions to fill the stage with dubious shadows. This also adds to the suspense factor.

        The camera is stationed right behind the initial character that began the scene, and shows how each character is facing. Because of this view, the audience feels as if they are in the scene with the characters. The character making their first appearance is just slightly off center, whereas the initial character is far to the right of the screen.

Image from Double Indemnity

Image from LA Confidential