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Discover the classic film noir phenomenon of the mid-20th century

Discover 1018 films

The Beating

Read the latest from Heart of Noir editors and guests...

Ten snowy noirs that will leave you cold.
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An interview with Foster Hirsch.
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A look at two very different film adaptations of the noir master's superb novel.
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Grant Tracey on classic noir and its generic transformation.
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Foster Hirsch on the films of the 50's.
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Our Mission

Welcome to the Heart of Darkness

Heart of Noir was created as a single destination for film noir fans — both newcomers and old-timers — to explore in depth the classic film noir cycle.

Film Noir Defies Consensus

Noir is equally distinctive and inexplicable, but we try our best to describe the phenomenon from a variety of perspectives.

What is Noir?

Noir Aesthetic

Noir Cycle

Literature + Noir

Noir Worldwide

Noir is a Cultural Coincidence

A storm of colliding forces — aesthetic, literary, economic, and political — shaped an inimitable cinematic form.

Noir is a Black Mirror

It was a product of its times. Learn how film noir reflected the social circumstances of the age.

Noir + Politics

Noir + Religion

Noir + Society

Noir + Philosophy

Gothic Noir

Western Noir

Prison Noir

Newspaper Noir

Noir Comes in Many Shades

What type of noir is your favorite? Learn about some of the most popular subcategories.

Faces of Noir
Get to know the men and women who contributed the most to film noir
Talk About Noir
Have a question or suggestion for other noir fans? Check out our discussion forums and share your thoughts.
Read The Blog
The Beating features the latest reviews, articles, and opinions from editors and guests, so check back frequently.