The term 'Film NOIR' (4 letters) is a French term meaning 'black film'. It is a genre of crime drama that emerged in the 1940s and 1950s, characterized by dark and cynical themes, as well as a sense of moral ambiguity. Film NOIR often features stories of crime and corruption, with protagonists who are often morally ambiguous anti-heroes. The genre is known for its use of shadows and chiaroscuro lighting to create a bleak atmosphere.