Film Noir

The Black and white Crime films of the 1940's and 50's were a complete contrast to the westerns of the 1920’s and 30’s, which contained lovable characters and themes of courage and selflessness.

Noir is Claustrophobic, dark and cynical. It gives a darker look at life with themes of failure and despair.
Most Film Noir’s contain heavy usage of Voice-over narration and darkness flooding the shots. 

The Protagonist would often be an Anti-hero with questionable morality, who does the right thing but only for personal gain.