Costume in Noir Film

In the 1040’s when the noir style was at its biggest, women were often seen in long dark flowing dresses, this focused the viewer’s attention, not only on the actresses face, but on the shape of her body, giving any film more sex appeal.
Women in noir films have always been depicted as self reliant and emotionally strong, as these films were all created post war. women had been liberated, and now had the freedom to behave and speak with more freedom and confidence. Dress styles seemed to follow this freedom and confidence into cinema and have continued to evolve since then.



Image from Sunset Boulevard 1950; dir. Billy Wilder


Male protagonists in noir films are often dressed in a strong masculine suit and hat, this style of clothing has been used to make a character seem more tough and solitary, but also caring and approachable depending on the man within the suit.
Post war, men had come home after seeing horrendous things that had changed them, taking all emotion and leaving them dulled form the world around them. These men seemed lost, but dressed in a suit some how they looked natural, able to survive in a new world in which they hadn’t seen for years.



Image from Sunset Boulevard 1950; dir. Billy Wilder

This style of clothing has always been strong in noir film, but it is very dated. As our game is to be in a contemporary style, any female characters will be asked to dress in a casual smart style that they find comfortable. The male protagonist will dress in a suit and hat, to help give a cold and distant feel to the character. Other male characters will be asked to dress smart in black and white colors

below is the costume designs for four main characters within the game, we agreed on these costumes after discussing what we considered to be modern, but also keeping true to the noir style. from left to right we have Detective Jack L Spencer, Suki Spencer (Jacks Wife), Shax Malik and Suzzy Bains.