The Film Noir period occurred in America from 1941 to 1958. The term "Film Noir" which translates into "black" or "dark cinema" alludes to its common themes of urban crime and violence, cultural decay, and corruption. Story lines for these films can also contain sarcastic or satirical undertones. Characters in these film roles are often motivated by greed and ambition, and are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their own selfish goals whether it be through lying, cruelty, or even killing. Film Noirs are also notable for their femme fatales. These are the roles given to beautiful, sexy women who often play worldly-wise, manipulative, cunning, heartbreakers who posses the ability to seductively lure their male counterparts into treacherous, sometimes lethal traps. They also are often driven by selfish motivation.
             The camera style of traditional Film Noir tends to utilize low-key lighting with predominantly dark tones and shadow. These films are also known for their many night scenes that take advantage of the unusual, shadowy lighting that occurs in dark, dank alleyways, or on an office wall opposite venetian blinds.
             In "The Big Sleep," starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, the Film Noir technique is easily observed. The film introduces Phillip Marlowe, played by Bogart, as a quick witted, sarcastic sleuth who's motivation as a justice-seeking detective is sometimes questioned or mistaken for a smooth talking player. His character automatically sits comfortably with the Film Noir style and welcomes plenty of opportunities for femme fatales to enter the picture with him. The film's story line centers around a murder that takes place at a bookstore owner's house. Marlowe has been hired by General Sternwood to recover compromising photographs taken of his daughter Carmen. Arthur Gieger, the mysteriously murdered bookstore owner, is blackmailing Sternwood. The plot becomes complicated in a web of crime
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