How Does Colour Psychology Work in Film and Video?

One of the most potent tools in a filmmaker’s arsenal is colour. Far beyond just aesthetics, colour has the profound ability to influence emotions, convey meaning, and enhance storytelling. 

This concept is known as colour psychology, and plays an important role in the creation of compelling and engaging video. Whether it’s through set dressing, costumes, props, or colour grading during post-production, the strategic use of colour can help to enhance the desired emotion of a scene.

Colour psychology refers to the study of how different hues affect emotions and behaviours. In film and video, colour can be used to evoke specific responses from the audience, often on a subconscious level. Filmmakers use colours to set the tone of a scene, suggest a character’s personality, foreshadow events, or symbolise broader themes.

A good example of this is the warm, golden tones often associated with nostalgia and comfort. When these hues are used in a film, they can evoke feelings of warmth, safety, or reminiscence. On the other hand, cooler tones, like blues and greys, are frequently used to create a sense of detachment, melancholy, or tension.

Red

Often associated with passion, love, danger, or anger. In film, red can be used to signify intense emotions or high-stakes situations.

Blue

Represents calmness, sadness, or isolation. Blue tones are commonly used in scenes meant to evoke contemplation, melancholy, or coldness.

Yellow

Symbolises happiness, energy, or caution. It can be used to portray optimism or, when paired with darker themes, can create a sense of unease.

Green

Linked to nature, envy, or corruption. Green can suggest growth and harmony, but in some contexts, it can also indicate jealousy or decay.

Purple

Associated with royalty, mystery, or fantasy. Purple is often used in films to create a sense of otherworldliness or to signify power.

Black

Has connotations of mystery, death, or elegance. Black is frequently used in film to create a sense of foreboding, sophistication, or the unknown.

White

Represents purity, innocence, or emptiness. In film, white can be used to convey a sense of cleanliness, simplicity, or sometimes, an eerie emptiness.

Set Dressing

The colour scheme of a film’s environment can significantly influence the mood of a scene. A room filled with deep reds and browns might create an atmosphere of warmth and intimacy, while a stark, white room could evoke a sense of sterility or coldness.

Costumes and Outfits

The clothing worn by characters is a powerful indicator of personality, mood, and evolution throughout a film. For example, a character dressed in bright, vibrant colours might be perceived as lively or optimistic, whereas someone wearing darker tones might be seen as brooding or mysterious.

Props

Even the smallest details, like the colour of a character’s car or a significant object, can carry symbolic weight. A red rose, for example, universally symbolises love or passion, while a wilted rose might indicate lost love or sadness.

Colour Grading

In post-production, colour grading can be used to enhance or alter the colours in a scene. This process allows editors to fine-tune the emotional impact of a scene. For example, increasing the saturation of reds can heighten feelings of danger or passion, while desaturating colours can give a scene a bleak, desolate atmosphere.

To use colour psychology effectively in film and video, you need to consider the emotional journey of the audience. Every colour choice should be intentional, serving the narrative and deepening the audience’s connection to the story. For example, a scene intended to evoke nostalgia might be best served with a warm, sepia tone, while a tense, climactic moment could work well with harsh, contrasting colours.

Remember also to maintain consistency in colour themes throughout the film. A well-established colour palette helps to reinforce the emotional undertones and create a cohesive experience. 

Colour psychology is a powerful tool if you know how to use it properly, allowing filmmakers to subtly influence the audience’s emotions and perceptions, and transform a simple narrative into a rich, emotionally compelling experience.

If you are looking to create a visually stunning video that hits all the right emotional notes, please get in touch and see how we can help.

What is colour psychology in film?
Colour psychology in film refers to the use of colours to evoke specific emotions, convey meaning, and enhance the storytelling experience. It involves understanding how different colours affect the audience’s perception and feelings, usually on a subconscious level.

How do filmmakers use colour psychology?
Filmmakers use colour psychology through set dressing, costume design, props, and colour grading. Each element’s colour is chosen to influence the mood of a scene, reflect character traits, or symbolise key themes within the narrative.

What are some common colour connotations in film?
Common connotations include red for passion or danger, blue for calm or sadness, yellow for happiness or caution, green for nature or envy, purple for mystery or royalty, black for mystery or elegance, and white for purity or emptiness.

Can colour psychology be used inconsistently?
While consistency in colour themes is important for maintaining a cohesive narrative, filmmakers can intentionally shift or contrast colours to reflect changes in mood, character development, or plot twists, thereby enhancing the storytelling.