Film Noir and the Arts of Lighting

by Patrick Keating

More than any other set of films from the classical era, the Hollywood film noir is known for its the cast shadows, the blinking street signs, the eyes sparkling in the darkness. Each effect is rich in symbolism, evoking a world of danger and doppelgangers. But what happens if we set aside the symbolism? This book offers a new account of film noir lighting, grounded in a larger theory of Hollywood cinematography as emotionally engaging storytelling. Above all, noir lighting is dynamic, switching from darkness to brightness and back again as characters change, locations shift, and fates unfold. Richly illustrated, Film Noir and the Arts of Lighting features in-depth analyses of eleven classic The Asphalt Jungle , Sorry, Wrong Number ,  Odds against Tomorrow ,  The Letter , I Wake Up Screaming , Phantom Lady , Strangers on a Train , Sweet Smell of Success , Gaslight , Secret beyond the Door , and Touch of Evil .

266 pages, Paperback

Published July 12, 2024

About the author

Patrick Keating is an associate professor of Communication at Trinity University. He teaches courses in film studies and video production. Additionally, he has served as the chair of the interdisciplinary minor in Film Studies.

He earned a B.A. (Film Studies) from Yale University, a M.F.A. (Film Production) from the University of Southern California, and a Ph.D. (Communication Arts) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is a native of Los Angeles.

He has previously taught at Washington University in St. Louis, Stanford University, and Hofstra University.