NeoNoir vs Cyberpunk The Differences Between The SciFi Subgenres Explained

Neo-Noir vs. Cyberpunk: The Differences Between The Sci-Fi Subgenres Explained

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What are the main thematic differences between Neo-Noir and Cyberpunk? We break down the basics for the popular science fiction sub-genres.

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NeoNoir vs Cyberpunk The Differences Between The SciFi Subgenres Explained

For many die-hard genre fans, sci-fi functions as a natural gateway into sub-genres such as Cyberpunk and Neo-Noir, both of which are often confused by casual moviegoers who don’t understand the thematic nuances of the storytelling process. The science fiction genre is more popular than ever, primarily due to relevant movies and TV shows that reflect the complexities of modern society. During the on-going Streaming Wars, sci-fi productions allow viewers to immerse themselves into stories that at once feel futuristic and timely.

In online movie culture, “gatekeeping” can be problematic for people who are genuinely curious about educating themselves in genre fare. For example, the horror community expects that fans or critics with strong takes are familiar with genre basics. Those who aren’t will be be pushed away. Of course, the same concept applies to all types of film communities, whether the focus is Marvel or world cinema. It’s thus beneficial for all movie fans, regardless of their tastes, to have a basic understanding of genre concepts.

As more films become available to stream online, there are more and more people who are learning about genre fundamentals for the first time. Some people identify with science fiction movies for one reason or another, and may not necessarily care about the origins of the genre, or how various concepts translate to books, video games, and other types of modern media. But for those who DO want to know more about sci-fi sub-genres like Cyberpunk and Neo-Noir, here’s a basic breakdown of what such stories typically entail.

What Is Neo-Noir

NeoNoir vs Cyberpunk The Differences Between The SciFi Subgenres Explained

With Neo-Noir, it’s important to understand the cinematic inspirations. Prior to World War II, many Americans viewed movies as pure entertainment; productions that would make them feel happy. After World War II, filmmakers began to make darker movies that seemed to reflect the times, even if the general public didn’t realize it. From afar, French critics identified a tonal shift in Hollywood and labeled certain movies as “film noir,” which meant that the overall themes were dark. At the same time, Italian filmmakers began making low-budget movies that reflected their post-war experiences. These films became known as Italian Neorealism, and many prominent directors emerged from the movement. By the ’50s, a group of French critics from the publication Cahiers du Cinéma wrote passionately about new styles of filmmaking, and subsequently began producing their own films, with the biggest names being Jean-Luc Godard, François Truffaut, and Agnès Varda.

In the ’40s, black-and-white film noir productions valued cinematic style over Hollywood traditions. Rather than providing audiences with a basic wide shot, filmmakers would utilize high and low angles to establish the character dynamics. The use of lighting is especially important in film noir for creating sharp contrasts within interior sequences, and also for exterior shots. Incidentally, there’s a strong psychological aspect to film noir movies, as the characters often struggle with their current circumstances. The protagonists or antiheroes may thank about the distant future, but the narratives are often grounded in the here and now. Film noir productions usually include a “femme fatale” or a woman who plots against one of the primary male characters, whether it’s a law enforcement figure or a street-smart gangster type. A femme fatale can and will take everything from their male counterparts. Still, there’s always a bit of romanticism that underlines the characters’ humanity, even if they may indeed have questionable morals.

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With Neo-Noir, the principles of film noir apply, just with more color, style, and psychological themes that link to the primary characters’ perspectives. For example, Nicolas Winding Refn’s 2011 film Drive is a good example of Neo-Noir, as the movie captures all the basic concepts of black-and-white noir filmmaking, but utilizes specific color as the foundation for the overall aesthetic. There’s a distinct neon color palette throughout Drive, and the dream pop soundtrack complements and contrasts with the protagonist/antihero’s frame of mind. In a neo-noir, the main character isn’t necessarily good or evil, but rather someone’s who’s reacting to their life circumstances.

Neo-Noir films aren’t specific to the 21st century, but rather link to a post-World War II culture that’s cognizant about the inherent dangers of the world. If Film Noir characters are always worried about who or what could be around the corner, Neo-Noir character are more concerned about larger environments. In Drive, it’s Los Angeles. In Refn’s follow-up, Only God Forgives, it’s Bangkok, Thailand. A Neo-Noir film doesn’t have to have neon lights or violent main characters, but the films do tend to focus on dark thoughts that motivate the main players. Some Neo-Noir figures may just want to avoid trouble, while others feel drawn to dangerous situations. The recurring themes are visual style and characters who operate with specifics codes of conduct. The 1967 French classic Le Samouraï is a Neo-Noir just as much as the 1981 thriller Mrs. 45 or the 2018 Vince Vaughn flick Dragged Across Concrete.

What Is Cyberpunk

NeoNoir vs Cyberpunk The Differences Between The SciFi Subgenres Explained

The origins of Cyberpunk and Neo-Noir date back to the ’60s. So, for even the most casual science fiction fan, many themes may seem familiar. For example, a Cyberpunk character tends to be a social outcast like noir figures. There’s a sense of paranoia that’s prevalent in many stories, and environmental factors also come into play. In fact, Cyberpunk is a cinematic descendant of noir, much like the French New Wave, or La Nouvelle Vague, of the late ’50s and early ’60s. A Cyberpunk figure doesn’t seek the spotlight for fame, but instead rallies people together with similar interests. Given that the punk Rock movement emerged in the late ’70s, the Cyberpunk aesthetic is mostly correlated with that specific timeframe, and later become more prevalent in the ’80s. Overall, the “cyber” aspect is indeed crucial, because that’s what makes the genre unique.

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For example, The Terminator franchise is a Cyberpunk production with its humans vs. technology premise. Blade Runner is similarly a Cyberpunk sub-genre film, along with classics like Alien, RoboCop, or even 1993’s Demolition Man, all of which are fundamentally rooted in humans trying to overcome the odds while assessing a new type of threat. So, as technology progresses, anything that’s considered to be new and potentially dangerous could be the anchor for a Cyberpunk production.

Recent films like Ex Machina, Upgrade, and Alita: Battle Angel have Cyberpunk concepts that make them sub-genre films. For a film or TV series to be Cyberpunk, it can’t just have a space premise or alien villains. Instead, there has to be a clear cyber-themed threat that humans are trying to understand or overcome. For a modern TV example, see Alex Garland’s Devs. With Cyberpunk, there doesn’t necessarily have to be a good vs. evil premise, but rather characters who learn more about each other while thinking about the bigger picture. Overall, this particular sub-genre tends to have a grimy visual aesthetic, and features characters who are looking to survive each day while fighting against a cyber-themed threat, whether it’s governmental technology or alien technology.

The Differences Between Neo-Noir And Cyberpunk

In Neo-Noir, there’s an underworld element and a unique sense of honor amongst characters. Noir figures expect to find trouble, and accept that enemies — known or unknown — could break down their down at any moment. With Cyberpunk productions, there’s a governmental element that looms over the narratives. Cyberpunk figures accept their position in life, but still fight against authoritative systems out of principle. Visually, Neo-Noirs can include plenty of gore, however the violence is mostly stylized. In a Cyberpunk film, however, violence just happens organically. The settings typically have a dark color palette, and there’s always a clear separation between the lower class and well-to-do government figures. Either you have power or you don’t; there’s no glory in victories. Characters survive by any means necessary and don’t trust people enough to make close friends. Cyberpunks are on their own; however, intense shared experiences can lead to a sense of community under the right circumstances.

Cyberpunk films are less melodramatic than Neo-Noirs. Characters often speak naturally and don’t put on a contrived persona unless the situation calls for it. In traditional and modern noirs, there’s always a sense of immediate danger, yet protagonists and antiheroes usually experience tender moments with their significant others. There’s a sense of hope that’s not quite as prevalent in Cyberpunk films. To put it simply, Neo-Noir characters ask “What will happen to me tomorrow?,” whereas Cyberpunk characters ask “What is happening to my world?”

Link Source : https://screenrant.com/neo-noir-cyberpunk-sci-fi-subgenres-differences-explained/

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