Film noir is a term that has an overall meaning, but also has several different interpretations as well. The word noir in French means black. So 'black film' refers to the subject matter which is typically reinforced by an overall low-key setting within the film. Some use the term to refer to any dark film. Others use it to describe films with dark subject matter. Still others refer to it as a film that is a dark crime drama. Some restrict the term to only black and white films. Others have used it to describe newer films in color that have similar themes and production qualities.