German Expressionism

By far the biggest influence on the look of noir was German Expressionism. Mostly because of the emigrating directors from Germany who came to find a base in the Holywood studio system and would go on to become some of the most successful directors in Holywood's golden era.

Few pics then a nice fun gateway to the world of German Expressionism, with loads of films.

http://www.mookychick.co.uk/reviews/events-arts-reviews/german-expressionism.php