INDIVIDUAL

ANALYSIS OF

LIGHTING

Ambient LightingAmbient lighting is anything which is natural such

as sun light or moon light. In this shot, it is used effectively to create Esther’s evil character

In this image of Esther from ‘Orphan’ ambient lighting is used to show her dark side. The daylight and white snow against her dark

costume and hair makes her look cunning and evil. The use of lighting also allows the audience to see her malevolence facial

expression, she is looking at the destruction she has caused and maliciously smiling to show she has no compassion or feelings.

In this shot, artificial lighting and a red overlay is used to create an effect of pure evil, whilst connoting the danger that the spirit has bought into her life. The red light surrounds the character of Em and seems to be radiating from her, suggesting that evil lies within her and is controlling her every move.

The red overlay has transformed everything in the frame to red,

including the ‘Exit’ sign. This sign would usually be green, a happy

and positive colour that we associate with moving forward.

The fact that it is now red indicates a couple of important

things. Firstly, the idea that, now that Em has been possessed

everything has been turned upside down and events have taken a vey

unnatural course. Secondly, it indicates that her life has been

dramatically halted by the possession and left her with no

hope and only danger.The way in which the lighting has been constructed is interesting, as it creates a shadow around he head and neck. This reflects how the evil force is controlling her mind, which is no longer pure. It is ironic that top lighting is used, as usually this is used to create an angelic effect, whereas in this case it is used to create a demonic effect.

Artificial/Top Lighting

Under LightingUnder lighting is

used a lot in horrors. It is when the surrounding area is in complete darkness and the character can only be seen because of light underneath them.

This image from ‘The Blair Witch Project’ uses lighting to show terror on the character's face. The girl looks sweaty, upset and horrified.

Her eyes are watering, her nose is running and there is darkness surrounding her to create a scarier effect. The light focuses on one

side of her face, this creates profile lighting. It could suggest that she is being dragged into a dark place.

Profile LightingProfile lighting is when one side of a character’s face is dark and the other is light.

In this image of Jamie from Friday the 13th, he is not only hidden by the mask but by the use of profile lighting. This could suggest that

there is two sides to his character: the murderous villain and the innocent young boy. The lighting also shows the audience the setting,

the character is obviously in a dark, miserable place which reflects his persona.