Color, Lenses, Filters, Stocks, Special Effects

 Early color film was very expensive  It took until the 1950s before the problems with color were resolved to the point where most movies could use them  Color is largely symbolic. It is used often by directors to symbolize emotions, etc.

 For many people, The Wizard of Oz was the first major color production they ever saw.  The Wizard of Oz The Wizard of Oz

 Lines are associated with nouns and are considered masculine  Colors are associated with adjectives and are considered feminine

 Color symbology is surprisingly consistent across cultures Cool colors (blue, green, violet) suggest calmness and tranquility Warm colors (red, yellow, orange) suggest aggressiveness, violence, and stimulation (yes, that kind of stimulation)

 Too easy!  Good examples of a mix of black and white and color: Pleasantville The Wizard of OZ Schindler’s List

 In short: NOOOOOOOOOO!  It can work for some films, like musicals and other light movies  It also can destroy carefully crafted cinematography  “Don't let Ted Turner deface my movie with his crayons.”

 Telephoto lenses are used for close-ups Rack focusing for two-shots  Short lenses for wide shots  Lenses can be used to distort reality (ie fish-eye used for extreme wide angles) and distort perception

 Rack Focus Rack Focus

 Stock refers to the speed of the film  Generally two kinds Fast stock which can be used at night and dim conditions, but produces a grainy effect Slow stock needs 10x more light, but produces much sharper images with brighter colors

 CGI has transformed what can be done on film  In some cases, movies have become effects showcases, rather than films  Despite the effects, the story must still be palpable