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Noir, a genre characterized by its dark, cynical tone and exploration of crime and corruption, owes much to the contributions of Erich von Stroheim. Stroheim's films, such as "Greed" and "Foolish Wives," depicted the seedy underbelly of society and featured complex, morally ambiguous characters. His use of chiaroscuro lighting and unconventional camera angles created a visually striking and unsettling atmosphere, setting the stage for the noir genre's distinctive aesthetic.