Light/Dark
3 General Types of Light 1. High Key- bright, even illumination. No conspicuous shadows Comedies and musicals
3 General Types of Light 2. High Contrast- harsh shafts of light and dramatic streaks of darkness Tragedies and melodramas
3 General Types of Light 3. Low Key- diffused shadows and atmospheric pools of light Mysteries, Thrillers, Gangster films
Light/Dark Symbolism Evil Fear Unknown Security Virtue Truth Joy Dark Suggests… Light Suggests… Evil Fear Unknown Security Virtue Truth Joy
Low Light
Side Light
Light from above
Backlighting
Color
Color in Films Tends to be subconscious Strongly emotional appeal Expressive/atmospheric rather than intellectual We accept it passively
Symbolic Purposes *culturally acquired* Cool Colors Warm Colors Tranquility Aloofness Serenity Aggressiveness Violence Passion Tend to recede Tend to come forward