BLOG QUESTION ADV: WATCHING BLACK AND WHITE MOVIES P. 2

How can black and white set a mood and create a tone? How can it heighten realism?

Black and white sets the mood by creating an unnatural, dream-like quality for its viewers. Since we perceive reality in color, viewing images in black and white gives viewers a surreal feeling. It sets a tone through shadows and lighting. In contrast, black and white can heighten realism, especially when used in a way that gives a film historical meaning. In documentaries or stories that predate color in photography and film, having your film in black and white can immerse the audience into the historical context of the story.