In Color

Beyond the Shadows: The Untold Black History of Film Noir

Does 'noir' mean Black?
 By   on 
Tarik Rashaan Davis smiling while talking about noir with Humphrey Bogart and Denzel Washington
Watch Next

What is Film Noir?

While often defined as "crime with a twist", the origins of the genre go much deeper than the black-and-white classics we know. In this deep dive, filmmaker Tarik Rashaan Davis explores the evolution of the genre, spanning from classic hard-boiled noir to neo-noir.

Tarik attempts to crack the case of why film noir feels so Black-coded to him, even though in the majority of the genre’s films he barely sees people like himself represented.

Is film noir a very political sub genre that speaks to the times we’re living in now? Is it a genre that is in need of a big resurgence? Can noir save Hollywood? And most important of all…Does Noir mean Black?

Topics Film


More from In Color

Latest Videos

Stephen Colbert reacts to the Artemis II moon mission
A man in a suit stands on a talk show stage, gesturing.


'The Daily Show' reacts to judge halting Trump's White House ballroom
Desi Lydic presents "The Daily Show" beside an image of Donald Trump.


A24's 'Mother Mary' trailer is worth it for the FKA twigs track
Anne Hathway is dressed in a red pop star outfit with religious overtones in a film still from "Mother Mary."

Jon Stewart has a brutal reaction to Trump waffling about pens
A man in a suit sitting behind a talk show desk looks angry. In the top left is an image of the president holding up a pen.

Stephen Colbert gleefully recaps the best signs at the 'No Kings' protest
A man in a suit stands on a talk show stage, smiling. The caption at the bottom reads, "I like that one."

Riz Ahmed is troublingly intense in new 'SNL UK' promo
A close-up of a man grinning in a slightly creepy way.


The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!