23 Across

NYT Daily • September 4, 2025

Genre for “Sunset Boulevard”

Answer:

NOIR

Hint:

This moody film style often features morally ambiguous characters and shadowy visuals, popular in 1940s Hollywood. Think detective stories with a dark twist.

Explanation:

Sunset Boulevard" is a classic 1950 film known for its dark, cynical tone and morally ambiguous characters, which are hallmarks of the noir genre. The term comes from film noir, a style of Hollywood crime dramas from the 1940s and 50s that often featured shadowy visuals and fatalistic themes. While the movie blends drama and gothic elements, its bleak storytelling and troubled protagonist firmly place it in the noir category. The clue points directly to this well-known cinematic label.

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