Still image analysis.
Identify examples of high and low-key lighting.
Say which depict top, back or under lighting.
What effects are created by the lighting in each image?
In this image, there is a use of low-key lighting as we can see most of her face is covered in a shadow and only the side of her face is in the light creating this enigma code of her being seen as sinister and sly. There is no top,back or underlighting in this particular image however there is a filler light coming from the left side which only emphasises the cheek bone and side of her head and only allows the audience to focus on the smoke more. Due to her face being mainly covered in a shadow, it portrays her as a sort of femme fatale with possibly ominous intentions as well as the smoke creating an even more eerie atmosphere.
In this image, there is a use of low-key lighting as we can only make out her facial features whereas the rest of the image is shrouded by darkness and shadows. There is a clear use of top lighting as the light is shining from above her head which accentuates her facial features and makes her look more glamourous however the complete pitch black background behind her creates an enigma code of curiosity as we can only see her face whereas the rest is not shown purposefully to make the audience question if she could be alone or if someone is there. In addition the use of only her face being lit creates a sense of claustrophobia as the top lighting reveals she is next to a wall by her left side. The fact she is looking up at the only light source seen in this image may show how she is trapped or held hostage.
In this image, there is a use of high-key lighting although we still see shadows being created in this image,the contrast between light and dark is much less pronounced and we can see clearly that more filler lights have been used as it makes the image appear more realistic, however the shadow being created around the man's eyes contrasts this idea of realism. Based on this we can see back lighting has been used which has created the shadows around the man's eyes and neck which makes us focus on the subjects eyes more which we see having direct eye contact with a serious facial expression which may connote that he is evil. In addition the back lighting has highlighted the man's costume which consists of a crown and fur connoting royalty and wealth yet the crown is seen as a sort of devilish symbol due to it looking like 2 horns sticking out yet again coming across to the audience as evil.
In this image, there is a use of low-key lighting as we can clearly see the contrast being created between light and dark. There seems to be no filler lights used making the image appear even more dramatic and dark. We can also see the use of top lighting as well as a low camera angle making us as an audience see this character as someone of power. In addition not only does the top light focus on the top of the characters head and side of face, it shines slighty on the gun he is holding at the bottom of the image again reinforcing this idea of him being in power and control. We can also interpret that this image is from an action and neo-noir genre due to the very dark colour scheme and elements seen in this image. The fact that he covers most of this image and is the centre of focus as well as has top lighting shining down on him, we can assume he is the protagonist of this film.
In this image, there is a use of high-key lighting due to the woman's face and most of the background is visible to the audience however the shadow of the woman does reflect low-key lighting as we can see half her body is almost covered in a shadow yet this is still high-key lighting. We can see a filler light coming from the left side of the woman's face as no shadows are being created on her face which emphasise her shocked/suprised facial expressions.The high- key lighting make this image appear normal however the use of the shadow being created due to the light being positioned to her left creates a sense of danger and as if this woman is being followed/stalked and she's turning around to catch whoever is looking.
In this image there is a use of
low-key lighting as shown by the light coming through the gaps creating shadows on the characters face and hair. We can see
back lighting being used here through the blinds to shine on the male characters face. This idea of the light coming through the blinds gives a sense of possibly a secretive relationship which is effectively done through the use of
low-key lighting and the light seeping in through the blinds.
In this image there is a use of high-key lighting as shown by the bright light coming from behind the characters. This is a use of back lighting as well which effectively conceals the characters identity creating an enigma code for the audience of who they are. However due to the back lighting shadows are still being created which again reinforces this sense of anonymous, secretive possibly.
In this image there is a use of low-key lighting as we can see the back light and key light being used as well as the clear contrast between the shadow and the light on the side of her face. We can see the shadow is being created through the back light which creates an ominous atmosphere as well as the woman's terrified facial expressions and makes us question if the shadow is actually hers.
In this image there is a use of high-key lighting as there is barely any shadows mostly the image is well lit. We can also see that top lighting has been used as there is shadows being created on her neck. Top lighting allows us to clearly see her facial features making her appear more glamorous and serene. Her face being titled upwards with her hands together emphasises this idea of peace as the light shines down her making her appear almost angelic and ethereal.
In this image there is a use of low-key lighting as we can barely make out the scene apart from seeing a character standing at the top of the staircase. I believe that this image purposefully uses lighting from the characters right side to emphasises the knife he is holding in his hand which is being reflected by the light. This already creates an action code of violence as we see knives as a symbol of danger and murder. Not only this but the fact he is standing at the top presents his power and the dark lighting reinforces this dangerous, terrifying character that's standing. The reflection of the bars using the light may connote prison or mental asylum possibly revealing the narrative of the character being a psycho killer.
In this image there is a use of high-key lighting but an element of low-key lighting as well based on the shadows being created by the characters. We see a use of back lighting being used from behind the male character possibly to portray the stereotypical belief that men are in control of women and that women are simply inferior to men, that's why the light is coming from behind the man. The man also has a serious expression on his face as if he does not want to be in this relationship and is only using this woman. Her face barely being shown in the image reinforces this idea that she is irrelevant.
Film noir research.
Film noir's genre is characterised by cynical male leads, femme fatales,flashbacks, dutch angles, stark lighting effects, intricate plots and were mostly used in American crime dramas and thrillers in the 1940s and 50s. Film noir uses a lot of low-key lighting as they are black and white films that use high contrast and deep shadows as well as low somber music.
Film Noir youtube clip analysis:
At the start we see a key light being shone directly at the female character possibly to portray her as guilty as she is caught right in the spotlight with it showing every single of her facial features with no shadows. However afterwards the man turns off the key light causing a shadow to appear on half of the woman's face possibly to present her as two-faced and create this typical film noir characteristic of a femme fatale. However the man always seems to be in some sort of shadow possibly to present him as the cynical male lead that is another common feature of film noir.
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