Color is a powerful tool in storytelling and, when used effectively, it can help deliver a message or evoke emotions in the viewer. Colorists use specific color palettes to awaken a shared language in the audience that we have developed throughout our existence (and which is still evolving).
In this article, we will explore the psychological effects of color in film and TV and examine some famous examples of its usage in popular movies and TV shows.
The ‘Science’ of Color Psychology
Before we dive into specific examples, let’s take a brief look at the science behind color psychology. Colors have been found to affect our emotions and behavior, and different colors are associated with different feelings. For example, red is often associated with passion and excitement, while blue is associated with calmness and tranquility.
Color psychology is a complex field that involves a combination of cultural, personal and biological factors. For instance, certain colors may have different meanings in different cultures (as we already discussed in a previous post) and our personal experiences can influence how we perceive them.
It’s also essential to note that while colorists may work in post-production, most of the look must be decided in pre-production and carried over to the set through costumes, set design, props, etc.
The Impact of Color in Film and TV
In film and TV, color can be used to convey a range of emotions and moods. Here are some examples based on a common language that we all experience:
- Red – Passion, love, anger, danger
- Blue – Calmness, tranquility, sadness, melancholy
- Yellow – Happiness, energy, caution
- Green – Nature, growth, envy, sickness
- Purple – Royalty, luxury, mystery
- Orange – Warmth, excitement, enthusiasm
- Black – Mystery, elegance, sophistication
- White – Purity, innocence, cleanliness
Although we all agree on the feelings and emotions associated with a particular color, the desired effect can often be achieved by using its opposite. So, take this list only as an example and don’t be afraid to experiment and break the rules!
Examples of Color in Film and TV
Let’s take a look at some famous examples of color in films and TV.
The Matrix
The Matrix trilogy is known for its distinctive green tint, which was achieved through color grading. The green tint gives the films a futuristic and artificial feel and it also represents the “Matrix” itself.
The Grand Budapest Hotel
Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel features a color palette dominated by pink and purple hues. This color scheme represents the whimsical and nostalgic world of the hotel and adds to the film’s quirky and charming tone, almost as if it were a written tale.
Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad used color grading to convey the changing moods and emotions of its characters. The color palette starts off warm and vibrant in the early seasons, but as the show progresses and Walter White’s actions become more ruthless, the colors (especially the ones worn by the protagonists) become cooler and more desaturated.
“I want to do the color timing for each of these episodes where you sit with the colorist and make sure that the color of each individual scene is just the way you want it”
Vinge Gilligan (IndieWire interview, 2012)
The Handmaid’s Tale
The Handmaid’s Tale uses a desaturated color palette to convey the bleak and oppressive world in which the story is set. The muted tones also serve to highlight the bright red of the handmaids’ uniforms, which represent their subservience and the blood they have shed.
Inception
Inception uses color to distinguish between the different levels of the dream world. Each level has its own distinct color palette, with the final level featuring a desaturated, almost monochrome look to represent the limbo-like state of the dream.
These are just a few examples of the many ways in which color is used in film and TV to convey emotion, mood and tone. Color is a powerful tool in storytelling and by understanding its psychological effects, filmmakers and colorists can use it to enhance the impact of their work.
Additional resources:
Movie stills courtesy of Filmgrab and TV Shows stills courtesy of Google Images.
