09 Wednesday Oct 2013
Posted in Color in Films, Color Inspiration
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This month I have decided to put Color in Films to rest. It has been a great year exploring my favorite films in this way and I am happy my readers have enjoyed the color palettes. They have certainly paved the way for more ideas I know you will all love. Thanks again for your support!
You can continue to view all the palettes I’ve created on the Color in Films page.
17 Wednesday Apr 2013
Posted in Color in Films
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blue, color in films, comic book, dick tracy, gray, green, primary colors, red, yellow
I remember when I first saw Dick Tracy back in 1990. I was 11 years old and was in awe of the film’s use of color. As I got older I learned to appreciate it more and felt they did such a good job of keeping that comic book style. From the characters to the costumes, it was truly a success.
Based off the 1930s comic, the story takes place in the city and revolves around a group of gangsters and of course Dick Tracy saving the day. Warren Beatty produced, directed, and starred in the film and had strong intentions for its design. Sticking close to the comic he wanted to only use the colors that graced the original pages while focusing on red, green, blue, and yellow. There was also a concentration on how the scenes were filmed so each were more like vignettes with everything happening in the same shot, this meant the camera was still for most of the movie.
The palette of Dick Tracy is elementary in some aspects but in this case, that’s a good thing. For me, it was one of the first on screen presentations that featured successful artistic development. Even if I was too young at the time to delve into its creative elements, I noticed how unique it was. It really felt like the comic book had come to life.
06 Wednesday Mar 2013
Posted in Color in Films, Color Inspiration
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80s, color in films, detention, high school, institution, kids, principal, school, teenagers, teens, the athlete, the basket case, the brain, the breakfast club, the criminal, the princess, weekend
The Breakfast Club has been a favorite film of mine since I was young. Not only were the characters kids we could all relate to but the experiences they shared were very much real. I was pinned as Ally Sheedy’s character; weird, artistic and in her own world. This film brings me back, for sure.
Set in their local high school on a weekend, the five students have to face a day together in detention. Each one is different from the next, yet after hours of being in the same room, they find a way to get along. With an 80s vibe and somewhat institutional color scheme, the film gets under your skin and brings you along an unexpected ride through the one and only teen years.
I find it interesting how primary colors are highlighted throughout the film and used to represent the characters. The criminal in denim, red plaid and black sunglasses. The basket case in all black. The athlete in all blue. The princess in pink. And the brain in green and beige. The set, being the school, is pretty much like any other school. With neutral tones it stands as a dull backdrop. This only helps you focus more on the characters.
All in all, there is a message. A message that is best understood when you are young. Society will always find a way to label who you are and cage your ideas. But its when you break that wall of control and ignorance, that great things start to happen. When you are young, there are times it seems as if everyone and everything is against you. The only thing you can truly do is be yourself and show the world you are not afraid. There may be a dull environment clouding your soul, but if you own who you truly are, you can shine and create a brighter world.
21 Tuesday Aug 2012
Posted in Color in Films
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children, color in films, elephant, films, guns, gus van sant, high school, kids, school, shootings, teenagers, violence
Elephant impressed me as soon as it started. Being a Gus Van Sant fan, I knew I would enjoy the film but I must say the cinematography was beautiful. Vast scenes of silence and normality get torn apart with violence that is unexplainable.
Based on the events of the school shootings, the story takes place in a suburban town at a local high school. The camera takes you through several of the students day to day while also letting you inside the life of the shooters. Van Sant took an interesting turn with the story and enabled the viewer to feel for the main suspects of this horrible crime. I must admit, Alex was my favorite character.
Although sad, the film is gorgeously created. Astounding shots are captured and due to the long scenes, you obtain a feeling of calm and anxiety at the same time because you know something bad is going to happen. Truly suspenseful to say the least. The imagery captured my heart while the story slowly saddened it. A duality of emotion that is quite disheartening. All in all, a film you must not miss.
The color palette is simple and realistic, one we all are accustomed to seeing every day. Walking outside, attending classes in school, hanging out at the lockers with friends, the everyday palette is perfect for the film. And then at times, the lens will stay on the sky and it will look like the bluest in all the galaxy. A bit of beauty in an everyday mundane world.
The Design Inspirationalist 