COLOURSHIGH SATURATION – Chameli (2003)

Highly saturated colours (Chameli’s red and blue sari) used throughout the movie add energy. Moreover they are set off against desaturated backgrounds that further draw attention to the character. Red and Blue are both used as warm colours in this movie. Red is also indicative of her character i.e. one of a prostitute (over the years red has always been used for the ‘bad’ girls).

Therefor it also performs the information function.

COLOUR SYMBOLISM – Home Alone 1 and 2

Typically red and green is used to signify Christmas in movies. Over here colour symbolism is used to symbolize an event/festivity. Also, psychologically a combination of these two colors has been proven to cheer people up because of its association with Christmas. In the above home alone movies, red and green have been used both in the clothing of the boy as well as the background.

DESATURATION – Saving Private Ryan (1998)

War movies generally tend to use desaturated colours to portray the internal condition of an event. In the above still from Saving Private Ryan, desaturated colours are used to show conflict. Washed out colours worked in this movie as they helped communicate the gritty realism of war.

SINGLE HUE – Saawariya (2007)

The colour blue is used throughout the movie Saawariya. The colour blue is a cool colour and is associated with calmness and intellectuality. It is also used to induce a dream – like state of mind and used in fantasy sequences. Since the entire plot is based in a make-believe world, the use of the colour blue is very appropriate.

LIGHTINGCAMEO LIGHTING – Carnival Of Souls (1962)

This still is from the movie Carnival of Souls. Cameo lighting is used in the shot to draw attention to the character and her expression that is of absolute

horror. It also adds a sense of suspense. The directional function of lighting is used effectively here. This kind of lighting works well in both black and white and colour movies. It is used mostly in the horror and mystery genre.

SILHOETTE - Batman Begins (2005)

This silhouette is from the movie Batman Begins. This silhouette makes the character immediately recognizable. It also adds to the plot as Batman is considered the ‘Dark Knight’.It thus fulfills the thematic function of lighting.

Mostly silhouettes evoke emotion even though features are missing. In this shot for example, it is quite clear that he is in a sad and contemplative mood.

FLAT LIGHTING – Bruce Almighty (2003)

This shot is from the movie Bruce Almighty. Flat lighting is used to create a ‘heaven’ scene. The lack of shadows

removes the human element and makes the screen look two-dimensional. It creates a cold and impersonal environment.

CHIAROSCURO LIGHTING – Black (2005)

This still from the movie Black uses chiaroscuro. The lighting intensifies emotion and adds volume to the scene. It makes the scene heavy and conveys the struggles of the character. The organic function of chiaroscuro is used as the source which is the window is nearby and a part of the scene.