Edward Scissorhands (1990)
In this seemingly horror, yet gentle film, we see a clear focus on colour throughout. Colour is used in this 1990s film to portray the contrasting characteristics of each character and location. In the first shot, it is immediately obvious to the viewer that there is a divide between Scissorhands and the other characters in the shot due to their appearance. The juxtaposition between the bright, vibrant clothing and the solemn black and white costume amplifies the characters personalities and emotions. The bright setting with a colourful backdrop also allows for an unnatural environment for Scissorhands. In the second image, we continue to see the contrasting colours, alongside the use of light being manipulated. The white back light of the sky behind Scissorhands acts as a clever backdrop to perhaps outline his unnatural appearance and amplify this horror character that is placed into a world of idealism. The final shot particularly stands out to me as a viewer as I think that it reinforces my previous points. It is a lonely, and sad shot that has been infused with bright colours, such as green and yellow, that wouldn't normally represent these emotions in classic films. This is a particularly interesting way of portraying the nature of the film.
Aladdin (2019)
In the enchanting adventure film, Aladdin, Colour is used throughout to highlight the playful nature of the film. Disney Films are well known for using popping colours in their films to amplify the storytelling, and Aladdin is not an exception. In the first image, colour theory and light is used to create an atmosphere in this scene. The main colour components of this shot are blues and golds, with a clear white lighting. Blue and Gold are often seen as rich colours and so this has cleverly been used to match with the props of coins and gold on screen. Also, the bright lighting that has been used to shine onto the Genies Lamp, immediately directs the viewers eyes to the main subject. Furthermore, in the second shot, the viewer is presented with a colour bursting sequence that draws attention to the bright colours, and draws away from any natural sandy and beige colours that blend into the backdrop. However, it is important to note the beige colours that have been used to create a natural location in the sandy desert areas where the film is set. Finally, in the third shot, the main colour element that stands out is the background red tint that could be implying a sunset setting. Colour can be used to move the plot along as the viewer is able to understand the time of day from these gentle background colours.
Alice Through The Looking Glass (2016)
The unnatural and dystopian film, Alice Through The Looking Glass, Tim Burton uses colour effectively throughout the film, particularly when introducing locations. In the first shot of the Mad Hatters silhouette, yellow and orange colours are used to portray a heavenly scene. Even though silhouette shots are often eerie and spooky, this shot is somewhat calming and freeing. Also, the most common colours that are used to represent calmness and tranquillities are shades of blue and purple, yet none of these colours can be seen in this shot. Burton could have made this creative decision to deter from the colour norms, as he does in most films that he directs. However, the warmth of the bright yellow sun still has the same effect in making the viewer feel encompassed in a heaven-like world. In the second shot, we see yet another silhouette of Alice surrounded by a blue night sky, gazing up at the Kingdom. In this scene, the blue clearly represents her inner innocence and the surrounding black sky could portray her overshadowing fear of the quest that lies ahead of her. Burton may have done this to intentionally reveal more about the characters emotions and feelings in that moment. Finally, I believe that Burton continues to implement this technique in the final shot, as he introduces the Queen of Hearts. Known as one of the main antagonists of the plot, and the fact that she is known as the Queen of Hearts, the colour red is a suitable match for this shot. However, it colour also have deeper meanings, being that the colour represents her dangerous and manipulative nature, once again portraying the characters personality through the use of colour. It seems that Burton has used several silhouette shots in this film to perhaps highlight the characters inner thoughts and feelings as a creative method, instead of relying solely on dialogue. This is a key example of showing not telling in film.
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