Black and white film refers to movies that are shot and presented in shades of gray, without color. This style was dominant in the early days of cinema, from the late 19th century until the 1960s, when color film became more widely available. The absence of color can create a timeless quality and emphasize contrasts, textures, and emotions in a scene. Many classic films, such as Citizen Kane and Casablanca, are celebrated for their artistic use of black and white cinematography. Filmmakers often use lighting and shadow to enhance storytelling, making the visuals striking and memorable. Today, some directors still choose black and white to evoke nostalgia or to focus on character and narrative.