BLOG QUESTION ADV: CINEMATOGRAPHY SCAVENGER HUNT

Why did you choose this film? What makes it interesting to you? Use what you've learned in this unit to study the lighting and write a reflection on what you've learned about how the cinematographer uses lighting to communicate the story.

 

Christopher Doyle is best known for his collaborative work with director Wong Kar Wai. Some of his most notable films include Fallen Angels, Chungking Express, and In The Mood For Love. He is known for his unique style, often using experimental lighting, shutter speed, and camera angles to enhance his films. Their choices of locations were very intentionally and were used as driving forces for these films. The colors in these films are usually motivated by practical lights, since most of his films take place in urban outdoor settings or interiors. Color is used as a both cultural and emotional signifier. Rather than being used symbolically, it shows up through the cultural context and locations of the story. For most of the outdoor city locations, the color palette is red, green and yellow to match the neon lighting of store signs.