Why Black and White?

Though it may seem a traditional or unadventurous choice, to make one's film in Black and White; this over the last 30 years (in a market dominated by colour films) has been proven to be incorrect when used in the correct circumstances. I want to make by film feel unique; but as well to enhance the visual qualities, creating tension (eg.images of dark figure strolling past the crashing white waves seems like a delightfully dark visual).


Raging Bull (made in 1980) was decided to be shown in black and white by director Martin Scorsese, in order to best depict the true life of Jake La Motta which develops over 20 years. This artistic approach created an unerring specticale- best at showing a vintage but troubling time, which was indifferent to or interested many- making it such a greatly acclaimed, and well grossed film.

Sin City (2005) was co-directed by Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller, and they from the outset wanted the film to be black and white- in order to enrich the dark, Noir genre which the crime film perfectly fits. Despite its unknown time setting, the black and white makes this unnecessary- as it places in a category all on it own, and this unique choice was praised by many critics- who saw the cinematography to be the best aspect about the film.

Control (2007) shows the troubled life and suicide of singer Ian Curtis. This morbid story-line is enhanced and layered by the use of black and white as it makes the Manchester music scene- and the depressing journey of Curtis seem rightly irregular to the audience, but yet creating a vintage atmosphere to the time. This is exactly what I want to achieve in my work as making the audience feel this way about a cold blooded murder, whilst still shocking them and adding tension; i would struggle to achieve this in ordinary colour film. 

These three examples of the modern era, demonstrate how black and white filming can be fresh and unique whilst keeping a vintage, stylized feel in the background. This therefore is exactly what I should replicate in my film opening, but i feel that the contrast and brightness will need to be altered in order to gain the best-definition to the bold surrounding shots.