A common technique used when creating a film noir style film is low-key lighting which often creates a chiaroscuro effect. Chiaroscuro is an effect which emphasises the contrast between shadows and light; the harsh lights that are often used help to create depth and volume in the images. The fundamental light used in this particular film genre is called a 'key-light'. Commonly, the key light is the brightest and most dominant light of the set-up. The second most fundamental light used is called a fill light. This light complements the key light because it fills in some of the shadows left by the key light. Finally, the last, but not the least, is called a back-light. This light creates an outline in order to separate the subject from the background.
Generally, Film Noir uses hard lights. Hard lights create a sharp image with the shadows with very visible edges resulting in a sharper looking image. However, soft lights are used occasionally. The use of soft lights result in images having fuzzier shadows. Furthermore, directors of Film Noir movies often use a technique of the eye light. This technique allows the light to reflect in characters eye. This is created through the light only illuminating the characters eye thus creating a more dramatic image.
Still Image
The lights used in this still image is key lights and back lights. These two lights combined create a more harsh image. This is because there is a very visible contrast between light and shadow, chiaroscuro. Moreover, the traditional use of low-key lighting is used in this image which creates a sense of mystery surrounding these characters seen in the image. Also, as not everything in the image is illuminated it further creates a mystery as the audience begin to ask questions as to what they are doing. Furthermore, an uncertainty is creates because of the gaps created through the low-key lighting.
In the image a silhouette of a man is creates using the back lights. As he is a silhouette, it could suggest that he is the antagonist in the story. We, as the audience, are able to conclude this because we aren't able to see his face thus creating a sense of mystery surrounding his character. Also, we don't see what he looks like which allows that character very ambiguous because the identity of that figure is currently unknown. Furthermore, the figure behind the woman generates enigma codes as it allows the reader to start creating questions like, 'who is he?' or 'what is he doing?' In this still image the light is dominantly shone on the woman by the lamp post; it could suggest that something is going to happen to her as the focus of the image is put on her. Moreover, as the woman is stood alone during the night further creates enigma codes as the reader starts to wonder what she is doing there.
Short Extract
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0QL1mrKBk8
The lighting in this extract low-key lighting is used. The effect of the low-key lighting creates a sense of uncertainty. The use of a key light and black light create a very harsh image. The harsh images portray the characters as in the extract, they are seen as very dodgy and untrustworthy. As there is a lot of shadows in the room they are in, it further creates a sense of mystery as their whereabouts is unknown. Also, there is a filler light used to illuminate the characters face. This allows the facial expression of the characters to be seen.
The shadows on the detective's face create a sense of mystery surrounding him as the shadows allow him to look more sinister and evil. Furthermore, enigma codes are created because a sense of untrustworthiness is created surrounding him so the audience will be create a sense of uneasiness around him. The other character on the bed has his whole face illuminated with the use of the fill light which implicates that he is a vulnerable character as we, the audience, are able to see his face as well as his facial expression. Moreover, as his face is lit it could further suggest that he is guilty and that he is to blame because in the scene he is accused of shooting someone in the head. So the brightly lit face could connote that he is the person to blame.
No comments:
Post a Comment