Film Noir is used often in Western movies to create the illusion of dark shadows. This style of film often contains themes of jealousy, murder and corruption. A 10:1 light-to-dark ratio is used, instead of the typical 3:1 ratio used in film. Film Noir movies are made using high contrast images and dramatic lighting.
Three point lighting, a standard type of lighting, is useful in all kinds of films. The three lights used in this technique are the key light, the fill light and the back light. The Key light is the main light, placed to one side of the camera, so the subject is well lit. The fill light is placed on the opposite side of the key light and is used to fill shadows and is less bright than the key. The back light is used in back of the subject and helps to make the scene look three dimensional.
This style of lighting can be used for more upbeat and positive scenes in a movie. It is used to give all objects even lighting by creating a low contrast, and does not require a complex lighting set up.
Low Key lighting is used to create stark contrast and uses one light to create a harsh shadow on un-illuminated objects in the scene. This lighting set up may be more time consuming, but creates dramatic results.