Good “M” Questions Essay Example

1. What are the visual and narrative characteristics of Film Noir?
Visually, Film Noir made use of low key lights when focusing on the principal actors. Part of the actors’ face is in shadow. Majority of the film used low lightings. There were also unconventional and unbalanced low-angled shots. Most likely, the Film Noir did not have an extravagant budget for the movie. Hence, most scenes of the movie featured the 50s to avoid various camera setups. Furthermore, because of not having too many cameras around, only a small number of crew is required. Film Noir presented the dark as well as cruel side of people with pessimism and fated love, and they highlighted the unhealthy, brutal, seamy, shadowy, sadistic, and dark aspects of the human encounter.
2. Name two early film genres that influenced the development of Film Noir.

Film Noir is a kind of film that developed out of two film movements namely Italian Neo-Realism and German Expressionism.

3. What is the Hays Code (Production Code)?
Production Code or Hays Code is a new system that emerged during the 30s. Movies made in America are produced based on the Production Code. A number of foreign pictures shown in theaters conform to the rules and regulations imposed by the industry. All the distributing and producing companies in America work with the Production Code. The Hays Code was severely implemented in 1934. It is made up of a set of rules that govern the filmmaking in America. It is a set of directives that was adopted by major studies and created to prove to the lawmaking body and the public that movies are all cleaned up. A lot of restrictions were placed on films to be exhibited, produced, and distributed.
4. Did Fritz Lang’s “M” violate the Hays Code?
Fritz Lang’s “M” violated the Hays Code in three ways. First, the “M” movie contained a scene that lowered the moral principles of the audience; inappropriate standards of life presented and ridicule of the law. According to the Hays Code, no picture shall be produced that will demoralize the audience; only appropriate rules of life shall be presented; and laws shall be respected and not ridiculed.

Sources

Artsreformation.com,. 'The Motion Picture Production Code Of 1930 (Hays Code)'. N.p., 2015. Web. 18 Mar. 2015.
Guest, Haden. 'Film Noir And The Spaces Of Modernity: Film Noir And The Spaces Of Modernity'. Film Quarterly 60.2 (2006): 72-73. Web.