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