Research - Importance of lighting

Importance of lighting in thrillers :  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzCXVfzQ-EI

 

Chiaroscuro Lighting in Film - Balancing Cinematic Light & Darkness

Main point: This video explains how image-makers use light and shadows to create visual depth and contrast.

This is called “Chiaroscuro”

This word is translated from Italian to “chiaro” which means brightness, and “oscuro” which means darkness. The definition of chiaroscuro is, an effect of contrasted light and shadow created by lighting falling unevenly or from a particular direction of something.

Note: It is important to understand, some shots are best captured in the light or darkness. But when combining the two, it can give a third dimensional appearance to the shot. 

This video also shows examples of many famous artists demonstrating chiaroscuro in their paintings. For example, Caravaggio used this technique in many paintings. Highlighting how chiaroscuro can make a 2d image look three dimensional. This technique helps the subject pop out from the background. 

      

This is an example of one of Caravaggio’s paintings that demonstrate chiaroscuro

Example 1 of chiaroscuro in thriller movies :  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1sF-Ue3nx4

This is the interrogation scene from the movie “Prisoners” 

 I researched the lighting in thriller films and came across the movie Prisoners, a film released in 2013. I was focused on the interrogation portion of this film, as it used low lighting and deep shadows, which increases tension. The shadows in this scene, seem to dominate the frame. To add on, the lighting doesn’t feel happy or cheerful but rather intentional, also extending tension. 

Example 2 of chiaroscuro in thriller movies : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdZ_BdITJfA

This is a scene from the 2017 movie “IT”

In the movie IT, I focused on the sewer scene as it demonstrates the essence of chiaroscuro. In this scene, Pennywise is mostly hidden by the darkness of the sewer, with the exception of the bottom half of his face being lit. This contrast of light and darkness is chiaroscuro.

Note: With the lighting only on certain features like the eyes or smile it can make the subject look “unnatural”. But with enough lighting it can help draw the audience in. 

These examples clearly show how chiaroscuro is used in thrillers as they help 'form' a scene.

How it applied to my film    vb