Contrast in Cinema

Filmmaking is a complicated business. Even if you don’t go into the actual ‘business’ or the economics of it, making a film in itself is a mammoth task. In the sense that as a director or a cinematographer, you have to know and think about a lot of different things. Especially, if you want to make a film which at least looks and feels professional.

To make a film which can stand out in the crowd, you need an exceptional story along with beautiful images. To make a film which can at least stand in the crowd and be in the running for the attention of the audience, you definitely need beautiful images. In a world where everyday hundreds of films are being made everyday, how your film looks becomes a matter of utmost importance.

To make sure that it looks professional and beautiful, you should know what you are shooting, how you want it to look and what you have to do to achieve the desired results.

Once you are done with the first two steps, which ideally should be a part of pre-production then comes the real part. Making sure that it looks as you have imagined it. For that to happen, you have to control your camera and all the attributes of your image which includes exposure, motion, compositions, contrast and many other things.

Along with beautiful images, it should also be meaningful. Something which you can also control with the different attributes of your image as mentioned above.

And this is where we come in. Today we will go through the topic of ‘Contrast’ and try to know all we can know about it and how we can use it in different aspects of filmmaking, especially cinematography.

So, let’s just dive right into it!

What is contrast?

Contrast in the simplest terms is ‘difference’. It is the difference between two comparable quantities.

In visual terms, contrast is the the contradiction in luminance or color that makes an object distinguishable. In visual perception of the real world, contrast is determined by the difference in the color and brightness of the object and other objects within the same field of view.

Contrast in Art

Contrast has been used in paintings for a long time to create meaning and also to add depth and dynamics to an image. Some painters like Caravaggio and Rembrandt were one of the firsts to use high contrast in their paintings which gave their paintings a completely different look then what was the standard at that time and made it look much more interesting and realistic. They chose light sources and juxtaposed dark and light elements and made beautiful images with their interplay.

The technique that they used was called Chiaroscuro, which was then used a lot in German Expressionist Cinema. To know more about it, check out this article –

How German Expressionism Continues to Influence Modern Cinema

Contrast in Filmmaking

Contrast in filmmaking is a powerful storytelling technique that utilizes the interplay of light and shadows to add depth, dimension, and emotional resonance to the narrative. It encompasses a wide range of tones, from the brightest highlights to the deepest shadows, allowing filmmakers to manipulate the visual impact and guide the audience’s emotions.

It is the difference between the lightest and darkest elements within a shot or scene. It encompasses the full spectrum of tones, from pure whites to deep blacks, and everything in between. In filmmaking, contrast is not only about brightness and darkness but also about creating emotional connections between the audience and the story.

In filmmaking, contrast is used for a variety of effects and in almost all the departments. How does contrast help in films?

Importance of Contrast

Contrast plays a pivotal role in conveying the emotional and psychological aspects of a scene. It can be used for these different purposes –

• Direct the viewer’s attention – It can be used to direct the viewer’s attention to the different parts of a frame, guiding their focus, leading them to key story elements and and enhancing the overall storytelling. It is one of the most effective tools to divert the audience’s attention to wherever you want it to be.
• Creating the correct mood and atmosphere – The image affects the emotional response of the audience and changing the contrast of an image is a very powerful tool in eliciting different emotional responses from people. High Contrast and Low Contrast images have completely different meanings in the minds of audience and when used well can establish the shot and its feel just by using the image.
• Enhance Depth and Dimensions – Film is a 2-D medium where we have to show a 3-D world, at least give an illusion of the same. Contrast in one of the foremost tools which we can sue to add more depth and dynamics to our image and make it seems more life like, as we can see for the painting example above.
• Evoke and Era or Space – Contrast can be very effectively used to create a sense of being in a different time or space and can be one of the simplest techniques to depict an unusual setting.

Contrast in Cinematography

Contrast plays a main role in the image and how it looks. It is one of the most important things that the director and the cinematographer has to decide on, so as to maintain a certain sense of continuity in the film and ensure that the film has the specific tone and mood that it requires.

At its core, contrast in filmmaking refers to the difference between lightest and the darkest elements of a scene or the interplay between light and shadow in a shot. The two major types of contrast are High Contrast and Low Contrast, which have very different purposes in cinema and can be achieved by the following means.

Elements which influence Visual Contrast

These are the elements with which you can influence the contrast of an image –

• Lighting – Lighting is a fundamental aspect of filmmaking that significantly influences contrast and, consequently, the overall visual impact and emotional resonance of a film. The careful use of lighting techniques allows filmmakers to shape the mood, atmosphere, and storytelling in their movies. By understanding the importance of lighting and its effect on contrast, filmmakers can harness this powerful tool to create compelling visuals that captivate audiences and enhance the narrative experience. It is based on the key and fill light that you have and their ratio called the contrast ratio. To know more everything about contrast ratios and low and high key lighting, check this article out –

What is Contrast Ratio, High Key and Low Key Lighting

High-Contrast and Low-Contrast

The tow major different types of contrast in filmmaking are high and low. These can be achieved by lighting properly.

In short, high contrast is when there is a huge gap between the darkest and the lightest parts of the shot resulting in strong lights and shadows. Low-Key lighting is used for high contrast. It is used extensively in film noir, thrillers, horror and other dramatic films as it evokes mystery and suspense. Godfather is a prime example.

Low Contrast is when the difference between the lightest and the darkest elements of the shot is not a lot resulting in even illumination. High-Key lighting leads to low contrast. It is mostly used in comedies, sitcoms and other non-intense shots and sequences as it evokes a cheerful and bright mood. Wedding Crashers is a good example.

• Framing and Composition – The arrangement of elements within the frame can enhance or diminish contrast. Framing subjects against contrasting backgrounds or placing them in specific lighting conditions can intensify the visual impact. . This practice enhances contrast, emphasizing intended narrative elements and guiding the audience’s gaze and make them feel the required emotion.

• Color – Incorporating color in cinematography to influence contrast can elevate the visual storytelling to new heights. By understanding the color wheel, employing color contrast techniques, and utilizing color grading, filmmakers can shape the emotional impact of their films. Careful consideration of color choices allows cinematographers to guide the audience’s attention, evoke specific emotions, and reinforce the narrative’s themes. Whether it’s through the use of complementary colors for striking visual impact or analogous colors for a harmonious atmosphere, color plays an integral role in enhancing the contrast and overall cinematic experience.

Contrast in Sound

Audio contrast in filmmaking refers to the deliberate use of different audio elements to create dynamic and impactful soundscapes. By strategically contrasting sounds, filmmakers can heighten emotions, build tension, and enhance the overall storytelling experience.

By manipulating silence and sound effects, volume and intensity, diegetic and non-diegetic sound, and contrasting soundscapes, filmmakers can evoke specific emotions, build tension, and create a more immersive and engaging storytelling experience.

Techniques to influence Contrast in Sound

These are the various ways in which you can play with your audio contrast to evoke certain emotions in the audience –

• Silence and Sound Effects – One of the most common ways to create audio contrast is by alternating between moments of silence and sudden, impactful sound effects. The absence of sound followed by a burst of noise can evoke surprise, fear, or heightened attention.

Example – No Country for Old Men

This movie utilized audio contrast to great effect. The film features moments of eerie silence interspersed with sudden and jarring gunshots. The silence creates a tense and suspenseful atmosphere, making the gunshots more shocking and impactful when they occur.

• Volume and Intensity – Varying the volume and intensity of sounds can also create audio contrast. By manipulating sound levels, filmmakers can control the audience’s emotional response and direct their focus.

Example – Interstellar

In this sci-fi epic, the sound designer used audio contrast to immerse the audience in the vastness of space. During intense space sequences, the sound effects and the powerful score were amplified to create a sense of awe and excitement. In contrast, during more intimate and introspective moments, the volume was lowered, emphasizing the characters’ emotions and thoughts.

• Ambient Sounds and Sudden Audio Cues – Contrasting ambient sounds with sudden audio cues can intensify a scene’s impact and guide the audience’s emotional journey.

Example – Jaws

This film is a masterclass in using audio contrast to build suspense. The film’s famous shark attacks are accompanied by the iconic, suspenseful theme. However, just before the attacks, the music pauses, and the audience is left with the ominous sound of the water, creating a sense of impending danger. When the shark strikes, the sudden burst of music heightens the scare.

• Diegetic and Non-Diegetic Sound – Contrasting diegetic sound (sounds within the story’s world) with non-diegetic sound (sounds added in post-production) can create interesting audio contrasts that enrich the narrative.

Example – Goodfellas

This crime drama uses diegetic music, such as popular songs from the ’50s and ’60s, to enhance the film’s time period and atmosphere. However, in moments of intense violence or drama, the non-diegetic score takes over, adding a layer of emotion and tension that complements the visuals.

• Different Soundscapes – Using contrasting soundscapes can be a powerful storytelling tool, especially in films with multiple settings or parallel storylines.

Example – Inception

This film takes the audience through various dreamscapes, each with its own unique audio atmosphere. As the characters navigate between dream levels, the contrast in sound design and music helps distinguish and immerse the audience in each distinct world.

Contrast in Production Design

Production, set, and costume design are integral components of filmmaking that play a crucial role in influencing contrast and shaping the visual storytelling of a film. Each of these elements contributes to the overall aesthetic and atmosphere of the movie, and their thoughtful manipulation can enhance the contrast, emphasize key narrative elements, and evoke specific emotions in the audience.

By skillfully manipulating the visual elements in these aspects of filmmaking, filmmakers can enhance the contrast, establish the mood and atmosphere, and guide the audience’s attention to important narrative elements. By collaborating with production designers, set designers, and costume designers, filmmakers can ensure that the visual storytelling is cohesive, impactful, and memorable.

Elements which influence Contrast in Production design

These are some ways by which you can influence the contrast in a shot by playing around with the production elements –

• Production and Set Design – Production design involves creating the overall visual look and feel of the film, including the design of sets, props, and the overall environment. It sets the foundation for the world in which the characters and the story unfold. Production designers can utilize contrasting elements within the sets to reinforce the film’s themes and mood. In genres like horror or thriller, the contrast between well-lit, seemingly safe areas and shadowy, ominous corners can heighten tension and create a sense of danger.

Example – Psycho

In the film, the Bates Motel features a stark contrast between the brightly lit office and the shadowy, foreboding house. This contrast underscores the duality of the setting and adds to the suspense of the film.

• Costume Design – Costume design involves creating the outfits and attire worn by the characters in the film. Beyond aesthetics, costume design can be a powerful tool for enhancing contrast and highlighting character traits or narrative arcs. Costume designers can use color contrast to draw attention to characters and their roles in the story. Dressing a character in bright colors amidst a dimly lit setting can make them stand out, adding emphasis to their presence.

Example – Schindler’s List

The opening scene, featuring a young girl in a red coat amidst the black-and-white imagery, stands out as a poignant symbol of innocence amidst the darkness of war and persecution.

Contrast in Editing

Editing is a powerful tool in filmmaking that can be used to influence contrast and enhance the visual storytelling. Through the careful selection of shots, pacing, and transitions, editors can manipulate the contrast between scenes, create dramatic impact, and guide the audience’s emotional journey.

By adjusting the pacing and timing of cuts, using spatial contrast to frame shots, and employing visual transitions, editors can shape the emotional impact of a film, guide the audience’s attention, and elevate the overall storytelling experience. The art of editing allows filmmakers to manipulate contrast, control the narrative rhythm, and craft a cohesive and engaging cinematic journey.

Elements which influence Contrast in Editing

These are the ways in which you can manipulate contrast in your films using editing –

• Temporal Contrast – Temporal contrast involves varying the pacing and timing of cuts to create a sense of urgency, tension, or emotional impact.

Fast-paced editing with quick cuts between shots can create a sense of excitement and intensity. This technique is often used in action sequences or to portray moments of high emotion.

Example – The Bourne Identity

In the film’s action sequences, the editor employed rapid cuts to heighten the sense of chaos and urgency, placing the audience right in the middle of the action.

On the other hand, slowing down the pace of editing can build suspense, draw the audience’s attention to specific details, or emphasize the emotional weight of a scene.

Example – Lost in Translation

The director and editor used deliberate pacing in the film’s intimate moments to allow the emotions and nuances of the characters to unfold slowly.

• Spatial Contrast – Spatial contrast involves using different shot compositions and angles to accentuate contrast within the frame.

Wide Shots vs Close Ups – Contrasting wide shots with close-ups can create a sense of scale and emphasize specific details or emotions.

Example – The Lord of the Rings : Fellowship of the Ring

They used spatial contrast in battles to switch between sweeping wide shots of the battlefield and intense close-ups of characters, intensifying the drama and spectacle.

High Angles vs Low Angles – Contrasting high-angle shots with low-angle shots can create a power dynamic or evoke different emotional responses.

Example – The Dark Knight

In the film, they used low-angle shots to portray the intimidating presence of Batman, while high-angle shots depicted the vulnerability of other characters.

This rounds up our list of techniques which you can use to influence the contrast in your films to evoke the right emotions and make sure that the message of your film gets delivered.

Do let me know when you try them out and also let me know if you find any other ways to play around with the contrast in your films. I’ll be waiting!