Noir is a French word meaning 'BLACK' and is used to describe a genre of film characterized by dark, cynical themes and a morally ambiguous protagonist. NOIR films often feature crime, violence, and moral ambiguity, and are often set in urban environments. NOIR films typically have a bleak, pessimistic tone and often feature a femme fatale character. Examples of classic NOIR films include The Maltese Falcon, Double Indemnity, and The Big Sleep.