Noir is a somber film genre that originated in the 1940s. It is characterized by its dark and cynical themes, as well as its use of black-and-white cinematography. NOIR films often feature stories of crime and corruption, with protagonists who are often morally ambiguous or corrupt. NOIR films are often set in urban environments and feature characters such as private detectives, femme fatales, and criminals. The genre has been influential in many other genres, including neo-NOIR and neo-westerns.