Final answer:
Film noir directors frequently used highly formalistic techniques despite the genre's realistic storytelling. Techniques such as distinctive lighting and unconventional camera angles were employed to create a specific atmosphere and visual impact.
Step-by-step explanation:
Film noir is a genre of films that emerged in the 1940s and 1950s, characterized by dark themes, shadowy lighting, and morally ambiguous characters. Despite many films noir having a realistic feel in storytelling, directors often employed highly formalistic techniques. These techniques included the use of distinctive lighting, unconventional camera angles, and stylized production design to create a heightened sense of atmosphere and visual impact.
For example, the German expressionist movement in the 1920s influenced the visual style of film noir, with abstract sets and dramatic lighting techniques.