Trust in American institutions has reached a historic low, a sentiment that, while stark, is not entirely new. Film noir, a genre that originated during the complex times of World War II, captures this enduring skepticism. As we approach an upcoming election, the themes of film noir — characterized by deception, moral ambiguity, and societal unease — become increasingly relevant, proving this genre more than just great entertainment.
![Shadows and suspicion: America’s trust issues are far from black and white](https://cdn.statically.io/img/i0.wp.com/highschool.latimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Government-mistrust.webp?resize=1080%2C675&ssl=1)