The Significance of Color

Color can influence our emotions, our actions and how we respond to various people, things, and ideas. We decided to analyze some of the colors used in movies, primarily focusing on “Gattaca” scenes. Throughout this presentation we will show examples of dark colors used and how they emphasize somber thoughts and emotions; as well as, the opposite, soft colors that play up good positive feelings.

Before we start focusing on “Gattaca”, we would like to show you an example of how color affects what you think you are seeing. The following two images are of a lady, one with a blue background and the other with a red one. If you look closely, although her expression is the same on both images, in the image with the blue background it actually looks like she's smiling; whereas, the image with the red background looks like she's serious, almost like she's frowning a little.

Different Colors, Different Moods

Did you see the difference? The reason her face expression appeared different in the photos is because the different colors entice different moods. Now, keep that in mind while we move on to analyzing how certain colors affect what is being conveyed in different movie scenes.

Look at these images. The colors are murky and the mood gloomy. The director chose these particular colors to help convey the character's feelings and emotions. Jerome and Irene are frowning; they are not happy. If you look closely, you can see shades of olive green, brown, and gray – they're earthy colors. These particular colors set a peaceful mood and as you can see there is no chaos in the background. The characters may be sad, but at least the atmosphere is calm. The silence instills a time for reflection. “Gattaca” is actually a dark and somber movie mixed with patches of other emotions. In this next slide, you will see two more examples of these cheerless moods.

In this scene, Vincent is recovering from a risky and painful surgery. The effect these earthy, gloomy, colors have on the image is a powerful one. The colors help highlight the fact that their goal of successfully deceive others is a negative thing. It is almost as if Jerome and Vincent are hiding and trying to find solace in the darkness. Both characters are in a bad situation, but again, at least the atmosphere is quiet and tranquil. The colors are one step above complete darkness... so it is safe to assume, there is still hope.

Now this image says something different all together but the colors are still the same earthy tones. “Gattaca” has many dark scene with Jerome and Vincent together. In this particular scene, however, they are looking at each other and are in close proximity, which could be interpreted as the director trying to convey that even though they're not having good times at this moment, at least they have each other. Let's stop for a minute to consider how the mood in this scene could have been affected had Vincent been wearing a bright red shirt or neon green shorts. It would not work the same, the mood the director was trying to set would have been lost because bright colors bring about excitement and cheery feelings; whereas, dark colors do the opposite.

This time we are looking at images where the colors, mostly that shade of yellow, help transmit feelings of betrayal. Yellow is also used when caution and physical illness are trying to be highlighted.In the scene on the right, Vincent's dad has just shown preference over his brother because of his height which made Vincent feel betrayed and hurt. At the same time, the color helps keep Vincent's physical limitations due to his “illness” in the spotlight. Meanwhile, in the scene on the left, yellow is used to point out Irene's cautiousness while trying to get to know the newcomer. For those of us who have watched the movie, it is obvious that yellow is used here to show that Irene does have something to be worried about and, therefore, act with caution since Vincent is deceiving her by pretending to be someone else.

Colors are also often used in contrast of each other, as white and black are here. White signifies purity and innocence; while on the other hand, black represents the secretive and the unknown. Vincent wants so bad to be honest with innocent Irene but he has to keep his secret to himself, at least in the scene on the right. Although, in the scene where Jerome and Irene are sitting together, Irene figures the truth about “Jerome” while they also hide it from Vincent's brother.

For our last example, pastel colors are used here to enhance feelings of innocence, fond memories, and romance. In these scenes, both couples, from the different movies, are each sharing a “moment” and beginning to fall in love. Notice that although the pastel colors set the mood, dark colors are used in contrast. Color is used no only for enticing feeling and setting the mood, but also just to make things appear pleasing to the eye. We encourage you to notice how different colors affect the way you see and experience things around you in your every day life.

We hope you have enjoyed our presentation. Thank you for your time!