The psychology of colour in cinema

Abstract

Colour is not just something we see; it is something we feel. It is the most immediate form of non-verbal communication. Colours can induce instinctive feelings, like how blue makes us feel safe while red alerts us to danger. Such principles can also be applied to the art of cinematography. Ever since the introduction of colour in films, the cinematic world has experienced a radical shift, and what was once conveyed through numerous black and white images is now enhanced through different hues, shades, and tints. Colour has made it possible for filmmakers to add another layer to their narrative interpretation, throwing their audiences into a vast ocean of colour. [excerpt]