lighting: still image analysis

The numbers correlate to the images on the film powerpoint slides 33-37.

1.

• This picture demonstrates the use of high key lighting since you can see both sides of her face it suggests a filler light is being used although the lighting is ambiguous as it carries the film noir feel usually achieved by low key lighting
• The key light is coming from the actors left, the filler light is coming perhaps from the front/right in order to keep the shadows present but also add a realistic touch to the photo.
• This style of lighting allows the character within the still to be interpreted as a femme fatale type. The shadows suggest she's an anti-hero (a good side (side you can see) and a bad side (side that is shadowed))

2. 

• This picture demonstrates the use of low key lighting seen through the theatrical shadows and over exaggerated lighting of the actors face.
• The key light is coming from above the actresses face, and facing downwards accentuating her features and achieving a more glamorous countenance.
• This style of lighting allows the actors features to be exaggerated but also is a common technique used in movies to allow actors to appear more glamorous and 'picture perfect'. It also makes the actor appear as a dominant focus and gives her an essence of importance.

3. 

• This picture uses high key lighting since the photo is extremely realistic, and you can see all aspects of the actors face however there are some shadows under the eyes and chin but the natural lighting and realistic finish imply high key lighting.
• The key light is coming from straight ahead, however the filler light is coming from above near the right which would help create the deliberate shadows on the actors face.
• This lighting technique provides an austere and dominant personality to the character as well as having a regal subtext since the shadows highlight the strong features of the actors face but still keep the realism of a typical photograph.

4. 

• This still is an example of low key lighting seen through the exaggerated shadows on the actors face and ambiguity of the details on the costume excluding the gun.
• I think the key light is coming from the actors right which accentuates shadows on his left however there is obvious light on the gun hinting that a filler light was used however the ambiguity of detail and extremity of shadows supports the low key lighting conventions
• This technique creates a villainous and mysterious character for the actor, with the highlight of the gun suggesting violence or the guns importance for the narrative. The shadow suggests there's 'more to meet the eye' and highlights the actors lack of a sunny disposition. 

5. 

• This photo is an example of of high key lighting however the use of shadow is conventional to the horror genre.
• The key light is coming from straight on however the filler light is perhaps in the form of under lighting which allows the shadow created to be realistic but apparent.
• It creates an effect that the character is in danger but leaves the villain/cause in the 'shadows' so to speak. The face being brilliantly lit amplifies the countenance whilst the shadow creates a mystery about the situation.

6.

• This photograph is an example of high key lighting although it is rather ambiguous however the presence of a filler light suggests realism.
• The key lighting is coming from the window, with the filler light being the lamp from the background and light of the room contrasting the blind pattern on the characters.
• This creates a soft romantic feel to the scene which is parallel to the action in the scene. It also helps with characterisation of the actors due to the lighting accentuating contrasting charateristics of the actors.

7. 

• This is an example of low key lighting, due to the theatrical shadows and lack of discernible details visible.
• The technique used in this still is back-lighting, the key light is coming from behind them creating a silhouette of the characters.
• Due to the rather large and unidentifiable shadow, this creates a mysterious and ominous atmosphere to the photo and helps create an identifiable tension despite the lack of visible detail from the scene.

8.

• This demonstrates the use of low key lighting, specifically within the film noir cinematographic aspect.
• The key light is coming from the left of the actress creating a shadow on the wall, a filler light may be used to help exaggerate the shadows behind the actress as well.
• This creates the effect of mystery or tension and allows the actresses expressions to be caught even though what she's looking at is not visible, which adds to the use of conventional horror/mystery techniques used to create tension.

9.

• This still is an example of high key lighting although the shadows are extremely prominent. 
• The key light is coming from above [top lighting] highlighting the star, and a filler light may be used from the actresses left side to help exaggerate the natural shadows of her face.
• This creates an exaggeration of the models cheekbones and helps to amplify her facial expression, creating a melancholic tone to the image.

10. 

• This photo is an example of low key lighting, which has dramatic and ambiguous effects making it conventional to the horror genre.
• This photo is an example of back lighting, as you can clearly see the character however the key lighting is coming from the characters side, and is highlighting specific aspects such as the mask and weapon.
• The highlights of the knife and mask create a tense and ominous tone, it also caters to many horror conventions and creates tension due to the sci-fi colour palette and use of shadow.

11.

• This still is an example of high key lighting, which is conventional to the romantic genre due to it's realistic effect.
• The key light is coming from the top left, a technique used to make characters appear more glamorous or 'pretty' and provides a soft realistic image of the couple, however the shadows as well as highlight of the gun are unconventional to the typical uses of this lighting.
• This creates a romantic and idealistic impact on the picture however the highlight of the gun and solemn dispositions could prove to be a juxtaposition of the lighting and create a much more violent and distrusting tone.