Final answer:
The Maltese Falcon is considered to be the quintessential example of Film Noir. Released in 1941 and directed by John Huston, it features atmospheric cinematography, complex characters, and a hardboiled detective plot.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Maltese Falcon is considered to be the quintessential example of Film Noir. Directed by John Huston and released in 1941, it is often cited as the definitive Film Noir, thanks to its atmospheric cinematography, complex characters, and hardboiled detective plot. The film stars Humphrey Bogart as Private Investigator Sam Spade, who becomes embroiled in a web of deceit and intrigue surrounding the search for a valuable falcon statuette. Its dark and shadowy visuals, morally ambiguous characters, and themes of crime and corruption make it a classic example of the Film Noir genre.