Experiments with the color in the movie "Running on the blade"

The experiments with color are the key to harmony in the movie. Consider the techniques with the light, which was used in the movie «Running on the blade» by the director Ridley Scott.

The limited color palette

Most things in the world are divided between two directions — monotony and diversity. And if in nature the variety of colors and shades prevail, then all creatures of man are inherently monotonous. That's why, we react faster to a monotonous, synthetic image, subject to a clear plan, since this phenomenon is much more rare for the eye than the natural chaos.

Скриншот из фильма «Бегущий по лезвию»

The operator specifically uses a limited color palette (blue and its shades) in this frame, and everything in order to draw the viewer's attention to the characters, to the dialogues, and not to the environment.

Annoying color to the eye

What is annoying, very often attracts attention. You yourself noticed this by the abundance of «screaming» neon signs on the streets of modern cities. For example, in this case, yellow and green colors seem to «shake» the viewer, distract from previous scenes with a monotonous color palette. Now, the main emphasis is not on the hero (it's like in the shadows), but on a futuristic environment. Deckard seems to dissolve in neon, an important person for the film is just an ant in a giant anthill of the future.

Скриншот из фильма «Бегущий по лезвию»

The contrasts

These two frames are made with the difference of a few seconds, the characters are in the same room, and the color and light contrast here is obvious. Light and color shares not only two heroes, but also visually distinguishes a person and a replicant (synthetics). Although, perhaps Ridley Scott wanted to say this and something else.

Скриншот из фильма «Бегущий по лезвию»

Скриншот из фильма «Бегущий по лезвию»

 Interestingly,the replicants are presented in lighter colors in most scenes, while people are almost always in darkness. Although synthetics and do evil, but they do this evil rather forcedly.

By the way, the operator and director Roger Dickins, who shot the original «Runner», was nominated for the Oscar 13 times and this year he still received the treasured statuette, but for «Running on the blade 2049». Still, his work with light and color was finally appreciated!

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