The story often was told from the perspective of the hard-boiled detective, and it was not at all uncommon to begin the film with a scene from the end of the plot, and then flash back to the beginning of the whole story for him to tell it as the narrator.

1. Because technology wasn't as good as it is nowadays

2. Colour films were expensive

3. To create shadows and give the idea that the film will be dark and mysterious

* Low-key lighting * Juxtaposition * Skewed camera angles * Circle cigarette smoke

Typical Settings:

*Apartment Blocks Dark alley ways

- To the far left there is a femme fatale smoking, she appears sophisticated and mature.

- In the centre the man appears mysterious and as though there is something about this character that the audience doesn't know yet.

- To the far right a femme fatale is blowing smoke at a man, she appears to be in charge, brave and rude.