As one of the creators of the noir genre alongside writers such as Raymond Chandler and James M. Cain, Woolrich wrote much of his work before the term was commonplace in American literary criticism. Noir writing grew out of French expressionism and film noir, a style of filmmaking popularized during the 1940s. “Noir” means “black” in French, and this style of crime fiction is characterized by dark themes, morally ambiguous characters, and gritty urban settings. Stories typically feature protagonists who are morally compromised or struggling with inner demons and settings are usually urban environments filled with danger and despair. Noir stories often focus more on character development than plot twists or action sequences.

Unlike much detective fiction, noir characters are often ordinary people whose circumstances or desires lead them into a central mystery or crime. Both Hal Jeffries and Lars Thorwald fit this mold. Jeff’s investigation originates in his voyeurism, and Thorwald is no hardened criminal but rather a desperate husband who resorts to alcohol to cope with his troubles.

The setting, an oppressively dark and humid New York alley, also belongs to the noir world. It’s heavily atmospheric, and the open windows blur the boundary between private and public spaces.