Audience

Quite obviously different films have different genres and target audiences a film noire film such as Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang would not be targeted at children because of the violence. Many film experts insist that film noire is aimed at an older audience, aged between 40-60; these types of films would have been expected during their childhoods and are therefore relatable. Others argue that film noire films target audience should focus on younger generations, as they can then experience an understanding of 1940s films and lifestyles, and how the criminal world has developed. However, film noire films generally cater for a 15 or 18+ audience, because of sexual content and violence. The target gender of film noire films are males; this is distinguished through several male-specific features, for example introducing an attractive femme fatale character (arguably, this is sexist). Films such as Kiss Kiss Bang Bang use femme fatales, when Robert Downey Jr falls in love with Michelle Monaghan or Kim Basenger in LA Confidential. Arguably, the films secondary audience is females; women will flock to see actors such as Kevin Spacey and Russell Crow in LA Confidential. Film noire films come under the drama category, which is the third-most-popular genre of film therefore has a very large market share of overall films, even though it is a niche film genre in itself.