Film noir along with L.A. noir frequently use binary opposites to show conflict or a challenge either mentally or physically. The idea of binary opposites is simple to grasp, basically a binary opposite is when things come in pairs but are the total opposite of the latter, for example the use of black and white or good and evil. Binary opposites are used in Film Noir because they set up obvious incompatibility and create tension between characters and make the film more entertaining and interactive.
The Black Dahlia is a prime example of an L.A. noir film which heavily uses binary opposites
This is a screen print of the title screen, this image features binary opposites and combined with the shot and camera angle produces a very successful image. This scene is very violent and shows police fighting with the navy. The navy are dressed in pure white clothing head to toe and the police are dressed in black, this is two binary opposites the first is the colours and secondarily the white represents cleanliness and purity but the characters wearing white are being violent and fighting in comparison too the police who are wearing black which connotes evilness and corruption which conflicts the idea of keeping peace and serving justice.
This image is a continuation of the violent opening scene however this image shows the police in a different light. In this image the police choose not to fight and mix with the riot instead they stand at the side laughing and jeering at the navy workers. One police officer has stolen a cadet’s hat. The binary opposites used in this scene are the colours and the lighting the police are covered in darkness and shadow making them appears powerful and mysterious. However the few outlaws are well lit and are clearly visible the lighting contrasts with the action as you would presume the trouble makers would try and hide their identity.
In this image the two main characters both sit around a table smoking. The table looks formal and creates the idea of an office or a police station. Smoking is a common occurrence in film noir and L.A. noir so it is no surprise to see the characters smoking. The lighting has a significant role in this image. The lighting is non ambient and a dull beam of light is send through the window. The window has blinds down this creates shadows which divide the shot. Blinds are often used in film noir to connote ideas of good and evil. In this image the blinds create an eerie atmosphere and create tension between the two characters. The use of light and shadow is a binary opposite and is very effective in this particular scene.
This scene is set in a police office and uses binary opposites once again to help set the story and connote ideas and themes. This police station is very messy and unorganized with people standing everywhere this is the opposite of what a police station should be to function correctly. This shot tells us that the police are unorganized or unstable. The high angle or aerial shot makes the police station seem insignificant. The lighting is non ambient and strong beams of light cascade through the windows. The strong lighting from the windows contrasts with the left side of the shot where there is very little light.
This image is very interesting. A new character is introduced dressed in a formal suit a woman with blonde hair and bright red lips. This character fits the usual style of the Femme Fatale; the red lips imply a seductress. The woman is very attractive in comparison to the man standing next to her who fits the specifications for a film noir hero/villain. These two characters are binary opposites of one another because the women is short blonde and dressed in a light coloured suit where as the male characters is tall and dressed in a dark suit which connotes corruption or moral ambiguity. The lighting in this occasion suits the mood of the image which is unusual for an L.A noir.
In conclusion Binary opposites are items or elements in the mise en scene they can be anything from lighting contrasts to contrasting themes or ideas such as a corrupt police officer. Binary opposites are a reoccurring theme in L.A. noir and film noir because it is very successful at creating ideas of conflict and quickly and successfully set up tension and enigma to hold the audiences attention.
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