Lesson 4 : Lighting up a character
The lighting of faces in cinema is a crucial component in creating the atmosphere, narrative, and emotion in a film. It is an essential element of artistic direction and contributes to the characterization of the characters. It is important, if one aims to create a powerful image, to understand all its aspects.
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Table of Contents
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1. Objectives of Character Lighting
2. Techniques for Lighting Faces
3. Lighting as a Characterization Tool
4. Case Studies and Analyses of Famous Scenes
5. Source
1. Objectives of Character Lighting
Character lighting in cinema is an essential component of visual storytelling.
It aims to achieve several crucial objectives for creating an immersive atmosphere and character portrayal. Two fundamental elements in this process are contrast and light intensity.
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Here are some important concepts: Furthermore, you need to be familiar with different lighting techniques to understand how to illuminate a character. Here are some key techniques:
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High-Key Lighting: This lighting technique aims to reduce the lighting ratio of a shot to define the mood and tone of a scene. In the past, filmmakers used intense lighting to manage high contrasts. This lighting technique utilizes the white tones of bright lights and minimal use of black and middle tones.
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Low-Key Lighting: This lighting method creates dark tones and shadows in a scene. It is often used in thrillers and film noirs. Low-key lighting applies a hard light to present the scene in shadow. Contrast is adjusted to create dark tones and shadows.
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Bounce Lighting: This is a lighting technique where the light from a powerful light source is reflected onto a bouncing panel, reflector, or other light-colored surfaces to diffuse the light onto a subject.
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Hard Lighting: This is a lighting method that creates hard lines, shadows, silhouettes, and highlights in a scene. Hard lighting is also used to draw attention to specific parts of a frame. Diffusers are used to soften intense lighting or highlight specific areas of a shot.
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Soft Lighting: This is a type of side lighting that illuminates the sides of the subject with a gentle fill to add drama and set the tone of the photo. The subject's contours are emphasized with subtle and strong contrast.
Hard Light (The Maltese Falcon Courtesy Warner Bros)
Film Noir embraced this type of lighting
Soft Light (Her Movie 2014)
Film Noir embraced this type of lighting
Lighting Concepts
Soft Light vs. Hard Light
The choice between soft and hard light is crucial in intensifying the emotional impact of a photograph. Hard light creates sharp, distinct lines by illuminating the subject directly with an undiffused light source, such as fluorescent ceiling lights or a lamp without a lampshade. In contrast, soft light is achieved by diffusing the light using filters, diffusions, softness parameter in the light. This creates soft and gradual shadows that envelop the character.
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Color Temperature
The color temperature of lighting plays a crucial role in the visual storytelling of a film. It also adds depth and contrast between characters. While most lights appear white to the naked eye, they actually emit different colors. For example, although the sun produces warm, orange light, it appears white to us. To describe the color of light from a source, we use color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K) on a scale from 1,000 to 10,000. The lower the color temperature, the warmer the light. For instance, daylight has a temperature of around 5,600 K, while typical residential lighting ranges from 2,000 to 6,500 K.
Naturalistic Lighting vs. Expressionistic Lighting
Naturalistic lighting aims to imitate how light behaves in the real world by replicating natural light. Conversely, expressionistic lighting deliberately manipulates color, quality, and form of light to convey intense emotions in an unrealistic manner. This approach is used to influence the viewer's perception by representing changes in the characters' moods and motivations. For example, a change in lighting color can reflect the character's psychological shifts and influence how the viewer perceives the scene.
The Influence of German Expressionsim on American Cinema
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari - Robert Wiene 1920
Contrast and Atmosphere
Luminous contrast is a powerful tool for highlighting details and features of characters' faces. It refers to the difference between light and dark areas in an image. Here's how contrast is used in character lighting:
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Emphasizing Distinctive Features: Well-balanced contrast brings out the contours of the face, thus highlighting the unique characteristics of the characters. For example, in the case of Voldemort, high contrast emphasizes his lack of a nose and piercing red eyes.
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Creating an Emotional Atmosphere: Contrast can be adjusted to evoke specific emotions. Strong contrasts can generate an atmosphere of tension and drama, while softer contrast can bring a more gentle and contemplative mood.
This shot is a good example, it clearly demonstrates the contrast that brings a dramatic tension.
This shot is particularly beautiful because it brings a sensuality; the rim light coming from the background adds a lot of beauty and emotion to the image. The rim creates a stark contrast between black and white, there is no intermediate value.
Light Intensity and Focus
Light intensity refers to the total amount of light reaching the subject. It's a crucial element in creating the atmosphere of a scene. Here's how light intensity is used to influence the perception of characters:
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Highlighting the Main Character: By adjusting the intensity of the light, attention can be directed towards a specific character. This can be used to emphasize the protagonist and distinguish them from other characters.
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Creating Depth and Perspective: Light intensity can be modulated to create a sense of depth in a scene. Skillfully arranged illuminated and shadowed areas give depth and three-dimensionality to the characters' faces.
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Contrast and light intensity are key elements in character lighting in cinema. They allow for the creation of specific atmospheres, highlighting character features, and guiding the viewer's attention. A thoughtful use of these techniques enhances immersion and emotional impact in a film.
In the next section, we will delve into the various lighting techniques used to highlight characters' faces, such as frontal, side, and backlighting.
2. Techniques for Lighting Faces
Frontal Lighting
Frontal lighting is positioned in front of the subject, illuminating the front of the face evenly. This technique provides total visibility of facial features, which is often used for scenes requiring maximum clarity. However, it can sometimes lack depth and drama.
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Advantages: Maximum clarity and readability of facial expressions. Suitable for scenes requiring detailed visual rendering.
Disadvantages: May lack depth and three-dimensionality. May appear flat or less cinematic depending on the context.
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Lateral Lighting
Lateral lighting comes from an angle located on the side of the subject, creating pronounced shadows on a part of the face. This technique is often used to sculpt contours and highlight facial textures.
Advantages: Emphasis on the relief and details of the face. Creates a more sculptural and dramatic appearance.
Disadvantages: Can create excessive shadows that obscure some details. Requires special attention to avoid overly strong contrasts.
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Backlighting
Backlighting is positioned behind the subject, creating a luminous halo around their silhouette. This technique is often used to create striking silhouettes or to add an aura of mystery.
Backlighting in Cinema Sunlight can often be complex to utilize for illuminating the main subject of a shot, but when used in backlighting, it becomes a formidable tool. You can use a reflector to adjust the light in a backlighting situation.
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Advantages: Creates a luminous aura around the subject, distinguishing them from the background. Can add a mysterious or dramatic atmosphere.
Disadvantages: May obscure facial details, requiring subtle balance. May require special attention to avoid overexposure.
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Peaky Blinder 2013-2022
A clockwork orange (1972)
Backlighting and Silhouette
Silhouette is a fascinating way to portray a character without revealing too much information to the viewer. It is commonly seen in cinema. Many directors and cinematographers have created iconic film sequences using this effect. Here is an overview of how silhouettes can be used to evoke mystery or a romantic vision of the world.
Backlighting in Kaminski's Work Janusz Kamiński, one of the best cinematographers in the industry, has been an essential collaborator of Steven Spielberg on most of his films since the early 90s. He has often used backlighting to create a poetic, almost surreal atmosphere in a sequence. It's not necessarily about "romantic love," but about creating an idyllic setting, as seen in the image above from the film A.I.
A.I. Intelligence artificielle, 2001 by Steven Spielberg
A closer examination of Steven Spielberg's filmography will show his affinity for backlighting, even before working with Kaminski. Many of his silhouettes have become iconic film images in their own right, proving that a silhouette can not only set a mood but define an entire film. One can notably mention the legendary shot from the film E.T., with the bike in the sky and the moon in the background, creating a backlighting effect.
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Each facial lighting technique offers unique possibilities for highlighting expressions, emotions, and character features. The choice of technique will depend on the scene, desired ambiance, and artistic intentions of the director and cinematographer. Experimentation and mastery of these techniques add an additional dimension to the visual storytelling of a film.
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Shatner Lighting
"Shatner lighting" refers to a way of illuminating a character with a narrow cone angle and low softness around the eyes. It was heavily used to light the character played by William Shatner (Captain James T. Kirk) in Star Trek.
This is very cool effect that can create tension and focus the look on the eyes of the character. There is an artistic influence in this type of lighting
Star Trek, 1966 - 1969
James Bond, Skyfall, 2012
Schindler's List, 1993
Indiana Jones 5, 2023
How to Light Your Character
Human perception is instinctively drawn to the bright and contrasting areas of a photograph. When lighting a character, it's essential to think about how to direct the viewer's attention by skillfully using light and shadows.
It's also crucial to determine the desired representation of the character. It is recommended to start with a neutral composition. In the field of advertising and fashion photography, the main character conveys an impression of tranquility and cleanliness, creating an overall soothing atmosphere in the frame. Here are some tips to keep in mind when lighting a character:
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Collect visual references: These reference images are indispensable for achieving realistic character lighting. They ensure that the lighting closely reproduces reality based on photos similar to the illuminated scene.
For example, here are my references for the "Horror street" project. I collected images from films that I found interesting and that could match the style of our shot.
Familiarize yourself with various artistic concepts: A deep understanding of different artistic concepts is crucial to know which techniques to apply to support your ideas.
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Adapt the lighting to the camera's viewpoint: For the most realistic character lighting possible, it's essential to align with the camera's angle. It's important to carefully study the behavior of light and shadows in specific situations in order to create the best lighting based on the angle.
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Avoid harsh shadows on the face: The character's face should be soft and smooth; adjust the lighting to avoid overly pronounced shadows, or else the character will look artificial.
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Avoid flatness: The lighting should always have a shape that makes the character as realistic as possible. Avoid flat lighting, give shape to the lighting.
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Avoid multiple black areas: Several shadows going in different directions make the photo look busy and distracting. Shadows on the character should be realistic but also aesthetic and tidy.
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Don't cut the face in half: Intense lighting that puts one side of the face in light and the other in total darkness gives the impression that the photo is fake. There should be a smooth gradient of colors between light and shadow.
3. Lighting as a Characterization Tool
Cinematic lighting goes far beyond its simple function of making what happens on screen visible. It is a powerful tool for characterizing characters, allowing their nature, emotions, and motivations to be revealed in subtle yet significant ways.
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Influence on the Appearance and Perception of Characters
Lighting plays an essential role in how viewers perceive and interpret a character. Here's how it can influence the appearance and perception of a character:
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Creating Psychological Atmosphere: Lighting can be used to reflect the character's state of mind and emotions. For instance, soft and warm light can evoke tenderness, while cold and harsh light can suggest coldness or distress.
Alteration of Physical Appearance: By playing with shadows and highlights, lighting can alter a character's physical appearance. It can emphasize or soften specific features, creating a more flattering or, conversely, a more distorted image.
We'll see in the chapter on character analysis that Lord Voldemort has a very particular lighting style that sets him apart.
Harry Potter 4, Warner Bros Studio
Revelation of Inner Duality: Contrasted lighting can emphasize a character's duality, highlighting their light and dark sides. This can bring complexity and depth to their characterization. Lighting can reflect a character's internal conflicts. For example, alternating light and shadow and shadow can illustrate the struggles between good and evil in a character's mind.
This shot and sequence in the film show Anakin's duality between choosing the dark side and good. The contrast of the sunset and the grading adds dramatic emotion.
Star wars, The revenge of the Sith, 2005
Using Lighting to Highlight Distinctive Traits : Each character has unique characteristics that define them. Lighting can be employed to subtly yet effectively highlight these traits:
Accentuating Physical Features: By directing light in a specific way, one can highlight particular elements of a character's face or body. For example, strong lateral lighting can emphasize an actor's prominent cheekbones.
Creating Visual Symbols: Lighting can be used to create visual symbols that represent the character. For instance, a particular glow can be associated with a mysterious or malevolent character, thereby reinforcing their identity.
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Protagonist/Antagonist Colors
Color helps convey different emotions, and certain colors are associated with heroes and villains. A classic example of hero and villain colors is black and white - black for villains, white for the good guys. However, in some countries like Asia and Europe, white is associated with death and mourning. Black doesn't necessarily represent evil, especially when it portrays an anti-hero.
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In animation, lighting techniques are used to distort faces and obscure a character's face or body to heighten fear, anticipation, and suspense. Colors are used to depict the intention and character of a subject.
Red and blue are also used to represent villains and heroes respectively. The association of red with evil and blue with goodness may be rooted in the American War of Independence, where the "villainous" British wore red uniforms, while American and French forces wore blue uniforms.
Star wars, The Empire Strikes Back, 1980
In comics, superhero costumes are often in primary colors: think blue, red, or yellow. On the other hand, supervillains are often depicted in secondary colors like green, purple, black, etc. These are established codes in American and Western culture.
https://www.francetvinfo.fr/culture/bd/superman-a-80-ans-retour-sur-la-naissance-d-un-mythe_3350743.html
Red/Green Lighting
The color red often represents bloodshed, war, death, carnage, fire, and hell in suspense and horror films. It's also used in animated films to denote danger and add suspense or horror to a scene. When a villain appears under red lighting, viewers are alerted that things are about to get risky and intense!
Green (lime green), on the other hand, evokes evil and danger (Maleficent, Voldemort ...). The complementary nature of green and red is heavily utilized in these moments.
Walt Disney Production, the little Mermaid (1989), The Sleeping Beauty (1959), the Lion King (1994)
Disney is one of the first studios to establish a strong color code for its characters. Many iconic scenes featuring villains are imbued with green.
It can also represent death, as in Harry Potter, Lord Voldemort's favorite spell is green, and the hero possesses the color red, creating a complementary color scheme. Red then becomes a victorious color.
Harry Potter, Deathly hallows, Part 2, 2011 Warner Bros Studio
The meaning of colors is important to establish when creating a universe. We have the right to say 'in this world, blue is the color of evil,' but it must be conveyed so that the viewer understands and accepts it. These are rules that only the creator can define.
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To illuminate the heroes, Soft Face/Hard Body One of the most commonly used lighting techniques for illuminating heroes is the soft face and hard body, a method of lighting that softens the harsh shadows on the face to create an appealing appearance. Hard shadows are presented on the entire torso to define the muscles and emphasize the character's strength.
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For the villain, distorted lighting is widely used, distorting the shadows to darken the character's features in order to cast suspicions, question intentions, or deceive the brain into assuming the worst. Darkness also creates suspense and intrigue among viewers. Shadows cast on faces, silhouettes, and the background tap into our deepest and darkest fear... the fear of the unknown.
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Here are two techniques that can shed light on a villain character :
Up Lighting
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Light Direction: In Upward Lighting, the light source is positioned below the subject, pointing upwards. This creates shadows that ascend, highlighting the lower parts of the subject.
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Horror has been using up lighting since its inception because it creates a strange sensation, with human features emerging in unusual ways. We're not used to seeing this kind of lighting in nature. There's a strangeness in the human face when you light it at an extreme angle (from below), which makes it appear less human. Cinematographers and directors also use horror in subtle ways. Sometimes we'll see a character subtly lit from below when we first meet him, foreshadowing his later revelation as a villain. It's a technique that's been used for years, and here are a few examples:
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Frankenstein, James Whale, 1931
The up lighting used for the character of Frankenstein played by Boris Karloff in the classic 1931 film Frankenstein is an iconic component of the visual creation of this emblematic horror character.
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In the film, makeup and lighting are carefully employed to accentuate the features of Frankenstein's monster. Boris Karloff's face is partially obscured by shadows, highlighting the scars and eerie traits of the character. The upper part of his face, particularly the temples, is often illuminated, creating a dramatic contrast with the lower parts of the face that remain in shadow.
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The upward lighting creates a menacing and mysterious appearance for the character. The shadows emphasize the hollows and contours of Karloff's face, adding an extra dimension to the terror that the character evokes.
Top Lighting (skull lighting)
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Light Direction: In Top Lighting, the light source is positioned above the subject, pointing downwards. This creates shadows that descend, highlighting the upper parts of the subject.
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Top lighting is often used to bring out evil or to make a character mysterious and unsympathetic. It is often used to illuminate mysterious and cold characters.
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The top lighting helps bring out the sharpe side of the skeleton. We have good examples in the Hannibal series or The Godfather. Many film noirs also use this technique.
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Powerful top lighting casts the eyes into shadow and emphasizes the shape of the face's "skull". This has been used by many villain to give the impression that they are less alive and more dead, none more famous than Hannibal the Cannibal. By obscuring the eyes, we darken the connection we feel with other humans. This is probably the reason why many iconic villains wear masks.
In francis ford coppola's Godfather, for example, Marlo Brando's character has this very special lighting. The shadows and the light that highlights his skull give him an imposing, cold presence.
The Godfather, Francis Ford Coppola, 1972
My Name is Julia Ross, 1945
Hannibale serie, 2013-2015
4. Case Studies and Analyses of Famous Scenes
Here is a detailed analysis of the lighting of the faces of iconic characters such as Voldemort and the Joker ( Todd Phillips' movie).
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Lord Voldemort
In the Harry Potter saga, the character of Voldemort is often lit in a dark and menacing manner. The scenes in which he appears are often imbued with cold tones.
Harry Potter, Deathly hallows, Part 1 and Part 2, 2010 - 2011 Warner Bros Studio
Lighting Style
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Use of Flat Lighting
"Flat lighting" refers to a lighting technique that minimizes shadows and creates uniform lighting on the subject's face. This was used for Voldemort to produce a striking and unsettling effect. Instead of using traditional lighting that sculpts the contours of the face with sharp shadows, the choice was made to apply a more uniform and soft lighting, giving Voldemort a sinister and disturbing appearance.
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Emphasis on Physical Deformation
Voldemort is characterized by his deformed appearance, notably the absence of a nose. Flat lighting was used to subtly but powerfully accentuate these traits, creating a striking image of the character. Lit by a broad and soft source, we struggle to find recognizable features of the malevolent wizard, but we are also unsettled by his complete lack of human characteristics.
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Creating a Menacing Aura
Flat lighting contributed to creating a sinister and menacing atmosphere around Voldemort. By minimizing variations in shadow and light, the lighting reinforced the eerie and malevolent nature of the character.
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Creating Distancing
Flat lighting also contributes to distancing the viewer from the character of Voldemort. By creating an appearance devoid of the depth and warmth associated with human faces.
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Highlighting the Actor's Interpretation
Flat lighting provided Ralph Fiennes, the actor who portrays Voldemort, with a space to express his performance through facial movements and expressions. The details of his performance could be captured sharply and precisely.
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Influence on Cultural Imagery
The flat lighting used for Voldemort has become iconic and has contributed to shaping the cultural imagery surrounding the character. This innovative approach has influenced how Voldemort is represented in other media and in popular perception.
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This scene showcases the flat lighting technique and the inhumanity of the character :
In summary, the flat lighting used for the character of Voldemort was revolutionary as it demonstrated that a minimalist and creative approach to lighting could have a powerful impact on the characterization of an iconic character. It also opened up new perspectives for the use of lighting as a narrative and artistic tool in contemporary cinema.
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Joker (Todd Phillips' movie)
In Joker, the lighting designer's challenge is to create an atmosphere that evolves enormously over the course of the film. This oppressive, unhealthy atmosphere has to evolve and grow to its climax.
Lighting Style
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Striking Contrast between Light and Shadow: One of the most prominent techniques used in this film is the dramatic contrast between light and shadow. This creates a dark and oppressive atmosphere that mirrors the Joker's unstable and chaotic mental state. Scenes are often lit to emphasize the duality between light and dark areas, thereby highlighting the character's inner conflicts.
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Use of Lighting to Reflect Character Evolution: As the story progresses and Arthur Fleck transforms into the Joker, the lighting also evolves. We transition from soft, subdued lighting to more contrasting and aggressive scenes. This visual shift accompanies the main character's psychological and physical transformation.
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Play with Colors and Light Temperatures: The film cleverly employs colors and light temperatures to enhance the atmosphere. Cool, dark hues are often used to create a sense of isolation and despair. Conversely, warmer tones may appear during moments of rupture or transformation to evoke a sense of release.
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Intimate and Claustrophobic Lighting: The film also exploits confined spaces and tight interiors to create a suffocating atmosphere. This reinforces the feelings of oppression and isolation experienced by the main character.
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Light as a Mirror of the Character's Psyche: The lighting in "Joker" acts as a mirror to the protagonist's mental state. It reflects his anxieties, obsessions, and descent into madness, thereby immersing the viewer in the character's psychological world.
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The scene of the Joker descending the stairs is remarkable for its bold use of lighting. The contrasts are striking, with the lighting navigating between strong shadows and bright lights. Overall, the lighting of this scene is a crucial element of its visual power. It reinforces the emotionally-charged atmosphere and adds an extra dimension to the evolution of Arthur Fleck's character into the Joker.
In conclusion, the lighting in Todd Phillips' Joker is a fundamental element of visual storytelling, reinforcing the characterization and transformation of the main character. It demonstrates the powerful impact that lighting can have in creating an atmosphere and in gaining a profound understanding of a complex character like the Joker.
I hope this lesson has served you well !
5. Sources
Sources
https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-hard-light-photography/
https://academyofanimatedart.com/character-lighting/
https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-hard-light-photography/