What type of film is characterized by high contrast, dark themes, and heavy use of shadows?

Film Noir is characterized by its distinctive visual style, which often includes high contrast between light and dark, creating stark shadows that enhance the film's mood and atmosphere. This genre typically explores dark themes, such as crime, moral ambiguity, and psychological complexity, often featuring antiheroes or femme fatales. The shadowy cinematography and dramatic lighting used in Film Noir not only set the tone but also reflect the inner turmoil of the characters and the overarching themes of existential dread and moral conflict.

In contrast, Western films generally depict the American frontier and focus on themes of heroism and conflict between good and evil, without the pronounced moody aesthetic typical of Film Noir. Animated films, while they can explore a variety of themes and styles, do not inherently possess the visual characteristics or thematic content associated with Film Noir. Comedies, on the other hand, are designed to elicit laughter and often employ bright lighting and upbeat themes, standing in stark contrast to the darker elements found in Film Noir.