Introduction

          Whether it's a fast paced action film, a witty comedy, or an emotional drama to tug at their heartstrings, almost anyone in the modern day can give a title when asked their favorite film. A frequent light conversational ice-breaker, the question is expected, and responses come easily. But for how many films we're familiar with, some questions come less easily. Have you ever noticed the role of blue in your favorite film? Yellow? What about red? How did color changes represent shifts in the story? How are complementary pairs used? For how many films we know, this huge aspect of their filmmaking often goes unnoticed by audiences.

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          In reality, the use of color in film is incredibly useful and impactful. Color is used to communicate many elements throughout a story in a myriad of ways. Its placement in a scene, who is associated with it, and its context to other scenes throughout the film all impact its interpretation and messaging. Using toga movies from the 20th to early 21st century, the use of color in individual characterizations, scene and shot tones, and as representations of overarching thematic elements such as good and evil will be examined to better understand the extent of which color is used as a visual tool, and its importance. Color is not a secondary passive element as many believe, but really an active component.