Codes and conventions of Film Noir opening scenes

By Scott Long

Dial M For Murder• Introduction to the main characters (cut from first two

character to another character getting off a boat. Then cuts two of the main characters kissing)

• Dialogue indicates an affair also blackmail• Blonde in red dress (lead female character)• Up beat music in the beginning set amongst the sunny

suburban background• Grips audience with the plot opener• Goes against the convention of being set in a big city in

America instead is set in the London suburbs

The Wrong Man• Opens with a Dutch camera on a nightclub• Up beat jazz music to set the scene of the nightclub• Establishing shot of a party• Mid shot of band playing• Low-key lighting• Introduction to main character (dressed smart)• Set in New York• Shadows casted across walls• Changes to slow paced peaceful music after the party• Introduction to the female lead

Strangers on a Train• Establishing shot • Low-key lighting• Up beat music• Close up of two men at separate times below the waist to

create mystery until the other one kicks the other one by accident

• Introduced to the two main characters• Conversation about one of the characters profession• Reverse shot reverse• Both dressed smartly • Plot is opened and grips the audience• Set on a train

Vertigo• Establishing shot• Serious music• low-key lighting • Introduced to main character• Dressed smartly• Plot is set• Engaging and audience is gripped• Set in San Francisco

The Third Man• Montage• Up-beat music• Narration • Set in post war Vienna • Introduced to the main character• Establishing shot, Long shot, Wide shot, Close up in the

montage to show the destroyed Vienna• Main character dressed smartly• Narration opens the plot up