A crossword puzzle clue referencing a movie class characterised by somber themes, morally ambiguous characters, and infrequently unsettling or violent narratives capabilities as a concise, oblique descriptor. For instance, “Bleak cinema” might function a clue for NOIR or HORROR. This phrasing permits puzzle constructors to check solvers’ data of movie classes with out explicitly naming them.
Such clues play a major position in crossword puzzle design, providing a compact and evocative solution to symbolize complicated ideas. They require solvers to assume laterally, connecting seemingly disparate concepts by means of phrase affiliation and cultural data. Traditionally, crossword puzzles have mirrored modern tendencies and pursuits, and the usage of genre-specific clues reveals the enduring reputation and affect of cinema. These clues additionally contribute to the general puzzle’s mental problem, rewarding solvers who possess a broad vocabulary and familiarity with varied cinematic kinds.