He also wanted it to be more in the style of his previous realist films. The Ipcress File therefore became the first of the nominally rival Harry Palmer series and some aspects are reminiscent of film noir.
The director desired it to be more in line with his previous realistic cinematic endeavors, and thus The Ipcress File emerged as the first installment of the Harry Palmer series that was often pitted against rival spy film franchises. Some elements of the movie exhibit characteristics similar to those found in film noir.