Beyond tinkering with emotion and forging mood, colour schemes can be a powerful yet understated tool for manoeuvring narrative. A colour that seems out of place, a sudden change in palette, gradually transmuting tones, or a recurring shade – these are no accidents. They are carefully thought out and precisely executed signs that hint at a shift in the narrative.
Apart from the pre-defined, balanced colour palette of the film, which is generally one of the four listed above, filmmakers may use the following techniques to deepen the narrative.
Transitional Colour Schemes
The colour scheme of a film often transitions to depict a major character arc, a sudden occurrence that alters the course of events, phases of life, or even different physical locations. Movies that involve different periods or storylines can be better kept a track of with varying colour schemes. Changing colour schemes signal that a transformation is underway.
Walter White’s metamorphosis to Heisenberg is one of te most striking character arcs on TV. The mild-mannered high school teacher Mr White is portrayed in muted, drab khakis and browns, significant of his mundane, uneventful life. The skies are blue, the pancakes are golden, and hair is in abundance. When Walt begins to cook meth and well, kill people, his colour palette changes to darker, more ominous tones that say ‘fear me’. The skies suddenly aren’t so blue anymore; they seem menacing too. The essence of the show, of how a man’s hunger for power skewed his intentions and essentially erased his moral compass, is skillfully reinforced by the transitioning colour schemes.
Discordant Colours
Chaos can be a good thing. A film sometimes makes use of a discontinuity in its regular colour scheme to draw the viewer’s attention to a particular element. A shade that doesn’t belong in the palette sticks out like a sore thumb and almost forces you to think about its implications.
The complementary colour scheme of Amélie, comprising predominantly of reds and greens with a yellow overtone, has been a source of discussion for years. Amélie is a do-gooder and spends most of her time bringing joy to others. Her own life, though, is tinged by loneliness and the absence of intimacy. The occasional use of blue makes for obvious discord in the colour scheme and represents glimmers of hope. It highlights moments that suggest she has a chance at happiness too, while simultaneously serving as a reminder of the pain from her past.
Associative Colours
A recurring colour is often linked to a character, emotion, or theme. This creates a sense of familiarity and helps the viewer better understand the intentions of a character. Strong associative colours often go on to become trademarks of a particular movie or character.
If anyone can make a bright yellow tracksuit iconic and appealing, it’s Uma Thurman in a Quentin Tarantino movie. Beatrix Kiddo’s very identity is sealed in her yellow suit. The colour serves as a reminder of her purpose and tells the viewer that even though she has blood on her hands (all over her, in fact), she maintained an unwavering focus on her goal. Her choice of attire is also meant to pay homage to Bruce Lee.
Comments