Here is my presentation of my critical report for module 1.
Category: Design for Animation,Narrative Structures&Film Language
After with my advisor last week, I revised my topic. I plan to shift my focus from exploring the psychological impact of color on audiences to examining how color sets the tone for an entire film. Specifically, I will investigate how different colors affect the overall perception of a movie. I intend to focus on “Batman” and “Little Miss Sunshine,” using a comparative approach to demonstrate how different color palettes influence films differently, thereby validating my perspective.
My topic, “Color and Cinematic Tone: Unveiling the Subtle Cues of Film Atmosphere,” explores how color affects narrative and emotions in film. I chose this study because, as an animation student, understanding color’s impact on audience emotions and connection is essential. Analyzing color use in films reveals its contribution to narrative depth, valuable for future projects. Additionally, as modern storytelling evolves, the complex functions of color warrant thorough exploration.
By role of color in film, along with its effects and influences, we can see that the selection and application of color can significantly impact the audience’s emotional responses and their understanding of the narrative. Variations in contrast and saturation can amplify the emotional effects of the story, drawing the audience’s attention to key moments that shape character development. This is one of the ways to drive the plot forward.
Through an analysis of the role of color in the emotional tone of films, it becomes clear that color is not merely a visual element, but also a powerful means of expressing emotions. For instance, different colors often represent various emotions and cultural symbols. Red is commonly associated with passion, love, and violence, while blue typically conveys calmness and loneliness. Additionally, warm colors in a scene can create an inviting and joyful atmosphere, whereas cool t ones may lead the audience to experience feelings of oppression and tension.
By examining how color is used, some directors can manipulate the saturation, contrast, and tonal variations of colors to evoke different emotional atmospheres. As Williams stated, “the choice of color can significantly affect the audience’s understanding of the plot, helping them to engage more deeply with the progression of the story.”
Visual Attraction and Psychological Response: How Color Guides Audience Emotional Reactions（An In-Depth Study of Color Function in Disco Elysium and The Grand Budapest Hotel）
Purpose
I wish to research the role of color in shaping character identities, expressing emotions, and conveying cultural symbolism in visual media, specifically focusing on the video game Disco Elysium and the film The Grand Budapest Hotel. This topic interests me due to the profound impact that color can have on audience perception and emotional response. Both works utilize vibrant and high-saturation color palettes that not only enhance their unique aesthetic styles but also serve as critical narrative devices that influence how viewers and players interpret character motivations and emotional landscapes.
The research is worth while as it offers insights into the intersection of visual art and psychology, particularly how color contributes to storytelling in contemporary media. The central question I aim to address is: How does the use of high-saturation color influence viewer emotions and perceptions of character in Disco Elysium and The Grand Budapest Hotel? My hypothesis is that the strategic use of color in these works significantly shapes audience emotional engagement and understanding of narrative themes, ultimately revealing deeper cultural and psychological nuances.
（In The Grand Budapest Hotel, bright colors show us how characters feel. Pink and red might mean romance or danger. The colors aren’t just pretty; they’re part of the story’s emotions.）
（In Disco Elysium, bright colors are more mysterious. They might show what the main character is thinking or feeling, especially if he’s stressed or on drugs. Or, the colors might just show how messed up and confusing the world is.）
Key words
Color, Character Development, Emotional Expression, Cultural Symbolism
Disco Elysium, The Grand Budapest Hotel
Color Psychology, Audience Perception, Emotional Response
Bibliography
Itten, J. (1970). The Art of Color: The Subjective Experience and Objective Rationale of Color. New York: Wiley.
Dewitt, A. (2012). Color and the Narrative in Cinema. New York: Routledge.
Ware, C. (2008). Information Visualization: Perception for Design. Amsterdam: Morgan Kaufmann.
Köhler, S. and Wyschkon, A. (2011). “The influence of color on psychological functioning: a review of the evidence.” Color Research and Application
Narrative structure is the framework of a story in films and literature, influencing how audiences understand and engage with it. The design and development of characters are crucial as they create emotional experiences for the audience.
Key Elements of Narrative Structure
Narrative structure typically includes exposition, conflict, climax, and resolution. The exposition introduces the characters, settings, and background information, providing context for the story. Conflict drives the plot, often involving opposition between characters or inner struggles, adding tension and revealing character personalities and values. The climax is the peak moment when the conflict reaches its highest point, requiring the protagonist to make key choices. Finally, the resolution concludes the story, resolving conflicts and revealing the characters’ fates, allowing the audience to reflect on the emotions and themes.
The Role of Characters in the Narrative
Characters are essential in driving the plot and connecting with the audience. The protagonist is central to the story, creating emotional ties, while the antagonist opposes the protagonist, forming the conflict. Supporting characters enrich the storyline, providing contrast and support for the protagonist’s growth. The growth and change of characters enhance the narrative, allowing audiences to feel deeper emotional connections.
Narrative structure and characters are closely linked, forming the foundation of engaging stories. Understanding how these elements work together helps creators shape complex and impactful narratives, enhancing audience involvement and emotional resonance. Effective narrative structure and character development create unforgettable storytelling experiences.
In this lesson, we explored the key principles of mise en scene and the important aspects of composition and framing in film production. Firstly, the significance of composition is highlighted, particularly in the arrangement of visual elements within the frame, including the rule of thirds, symmetry, and the use of leading lines. These compositional techniques guide the audience’s attention and enhance the storytelling by creating a visually balanced and engaging narrative.
Secondly, we discussed the principles of framing, which involve how shots are constructed to convey meaning and emotion. Techniques like close-ups and deep focus play a crucial role in shaping the audience’s connection to characters and their experiences. For instance, close-ups can intensify emotions and create intimacy, while deep focus allows viewers to engage with the entire scene, adding layers of meaning and context to the story.
Finally, we focused on the role of mise en scene in supporting the visual narrative, including the careful selection of settings, lighting, and character placement. The harmony of these elements contributes to the overall aesthetic of the film and influences the audience’s perception of the characters and their journeys. Effective mise en scene ensures that viewers are fully immersed in the film’s world, allowing them to connect with the story on a deeper level.
Overall, understanding the principles of mise en scene, composition, and framing is essential in film production, as these elements work together to create a coherent and captivating experience for the audience.
Animated Documentary and Social Issues: “Flee”
Animated documentaries have become a valid form of storytelling that mixes art with facts. Scholars like Paul Ward and Judith Aston have talked about how animation can show complex stories and emotions that traditional documentaries might not be able to express. This discussion highlights how animated works can connect with audiences on a deeper level while addressing important social issues.
One animated work that deals with issues of equality and social injustice is “Flee,” directed by Jonas Poher Rasmussen. The film tells the moving story of Amin, a gay Afghan refugee, who shares his difficult journey of escaping his homeland to seek asylum in Europe. Through its creative use of animation, “Flee” goes beyond typical documentary formats, allowing viewers to emotionally connect with Amin’s struggles while exploring larger themes of displacement, identity, and trauma.
By combining personal storytelling with social commentary, “Flee” not only reveals the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and refugees but also highlights the universal search for safety and acceptance. This animated documentary shows how animation can effectively tackle pressing social problems, contributing to important discussions about equality and justice in our society.
Satoshi Kon is a renowned animation director known for his unique storytelling style and deep themes. In “Millennium Actress,” Kon explores the complexities of time, memory, and identity through non-linear storytelling and rich visuals. The film blends reality with fantasy, allowing viewers to experience the character’s inner struggles and reflections on her life.
In terms of style and aesthetics, “Millennium Actress” showcases Kon’s experimental spirit. The film skillfully uses color, light, and composition to enhance emotional expression and thematic depth. For example, bright and vivid colors represent the character’s youth and dreams, while darker tones reflect her inner struggles and the passage of time. Kon also innovates in animation techniques, combining different media and styles to create a striking visual language.
“Millennium Actress” is not only a tribute to Japanese cinema but also a profound exploration of female characters and multiple identities. By depicting the life of the main character, Chiyoko, Kon connects personal stories with social backgrounds, showing the struggles and sacrifices of women in culture and their careers. This film represents a significant contribution from Kon to the world of animation, with themes that are both universal and uniquely personal.
Choose a short film you would consider fits the definition of experimental. It could be from a formative or conceptual perspective, outlined in the lecture. Consider how you might present the argument using the following criteria;
Categorisation: Genre & Sub-genre what is the works background / setting, mood / tone, theme or topic? How does it comment? Does it fit or is it unique?
Form and Function; interpreting meaning and relating it to the format, or presentational mode (What are the artist objectives and limitations?)
Process: The techniques, materials and technologies applied within the work and the relationships between message and medium, (Does process, technique or tool become the message?)
Formal Elements; Use of space, composition, Light & colour, movement, rhythm, timing, pacing, transition and audio relationships. ( does the work investigate these or other formal elements?)
“PSYCHE” is an experimental short film directed by Rafael Bonilla, which explores the complexities of psychology and emotion through strong visual style and non-linear narrative. The setting of the film is typically placed in abstract or fictional scenes, with a relatively dark tone that reflects inner struggles and unrest. The film utilizes unique visual techniques to comment on self-awareness and mental states, providing viewers with a profound reflection on human psychology.
The form and function of the short film are closely intertwined. The artist’s goal is to challenge the audience’s understanding of reality through visual and auditory experimentation. However, this abstract representation may perplex some viewers, limiting their ability to fully grasp the film’s intent. Through a variety of visual effects, mixed media elements, and electronic music, the director successfully creates an immersive experience, allowing the audience to navigate freely between perception and emotion.
In terms of formal elements, “PSYCHE” skillfully employs space, light, color, and editing rhythm to enhance emotional expression. Its irregular composition and abstract spatial design convey a sense of disorientation and chaos, while stark color contrasts reinforce the portrayal of psychological states. Simultaneously, the close relationship between sound effects and visual elements allows viewers to experience profound emotional resonance.
The relationship between visual language and cultural context is closely intertwined. Visual language refers to the way ideas and emotions are conveyed through elements such as shape, color, line, and texture, while cultural context significantly influences the use and interpretation of these elements.
Symbolism of Color: Different cultures have varying interpretations of colors. For example, in Western cultures, white often symbolizes purity and weddings, while in some Eastern cultures, it may be associated with mourning and funerals. In many traditional Chinese weddings, red is prominently used, symbolizing good luck and happiness.
For example, in the past, Chinese people would dress their children in red embroidered shoes, while the British preferred to dress their children in white shoes. This is a picture I took at the museum.
The impact of color on the audience.
In the first week’s class, the teacher explained the requirements for the research report we need to submit this semester and asked us to reflect on themes such as environmental, social, educational, industrial, or vocational aspects. I am particularly interested in exploring professional topics, and I recently played the game “Disco Elysium,” which left a deep impression on me due to its artistic effects. Therefore, I am considering focusing on the impact of color on the audience and players.
Color plays multiple important roles in games and films, including emotional expression, atmosphere creation, symbolism for characters and themes, visual guidance, information transmission, and shaping style and aesthetics. Different colors can evoke specific emotions, establish an overall atmosphere, highlight key elements, guide the audience’s attention, and convey important information, thereby enhancing user experience and emotional resonance. Designers and directors skillfully utilize these characteristics to create visually compelling and deep works.