In “The Setup” we have a film noir that does not appear to be a film noir until the very end. During the course of the film we have a very slow build up of the background and plot. We have our protagonist Stoker competing in a boxing match. It unfolds to this under handed deal where Stoker is supposed to take a fall in the match but no one tells him because he is considered to be a washed up boxer without a shot. Stoker manages to win against what could be considered to be the younger version of himself. This results in the deal he knows nothing about blowing up in his face. Then we take the plunge into noir. A four on one fight breaks out and Stoker ends up with a broken hand and empty dreams.