Who is credited with inventing the Film Noir genre and what impact did they have on cinema history?

Film noir was not invented by a single person, but rather emerged from a confluence of influences and post-war anxieties.

The credit for coining the term "film noir" goes to French film critic Nino Frank in 1946. “Film noir” literally translates to "black film" in French, referencing the stylistic use of darkness and shadow.

The roots of film noir can be traced back to German Expressionist silent films of the 1920s, with their dramatic lighting and skewed sets creating a sense of unease. American hard-boiled detective novels of the 1930s, known for their cynicism and morally ambiguous characters, also played a major role.

Film noir became a prominent genre in Hollywood during the 1940s and 50s. It resonated with film audiences grappling with the disillusionment and anxieties following World War II. The genre's dark visuals, cynical characters, and exploration of moral ambiguity left a lasting impact on cinema. It influenced countless films across various genres, inspiring neo-noir

 films decades later and leaving a permanent mark on how crime and mystery are portrayed on screen.