Final answer:
Painting contributed to the look and meanings of film noir by adding depth, creating mystery, influencing lighting and shadows, and establishing a dark and atmospheric tone.
Step-by-step explanation:
In film noir, painting contributed to the look and meanings of the genre in several ways. First, it added depth and texture to the film's visuals, creating a rich and visually engaging experience for the audience. Second, it provided a sense of mystery and ambiguity, which is a hallmark of film noir. Third, painting influenced the use of lighting and shadows in film noir, with artists borrowing techniques from painting to create dramatic lighting and contrast. Finally, painting helped establish the film's dark and atmospheric tone, setting the mood and enhancing the overall aesthetic.