The Evolution of Colour in Film: From Black and White to Modern Special Effects

Feeling what you see - Colours

Films have evolved in terms of colour, but not only that, but they have also evolved enormously in terms of special effects.

by Philippe Villar

Since the invention of cinema in the 19th century, film technology has continued to evolve to provide us with ever more spectacular images. The evolution of colour in film has been one of the most significant developments in evolu- tion. From the era of black and white cinema to modern films with 3D special effects, colour has played an essential role in creating immersive and emotional cinematic experiences.

The era of black-and-white cinema

In the early days of cinema, films were in black and white, which meant that filmmakers had to use shades of grey to suggest colour and texture. When movies started to be made in colour, they often used dyes or paints to give the image a tint. This created a very different aesthetic to black and white films.

Poster of the first movie shot entirely in two-colour

© Wikimedia

The first feature film to be made in colour was Douglas Fairbanks’ “The Black Pirate” in 1926. The film was shot in two colours, red and green, which were superimposed to create a colour image. However, the image quality could have improved, and the technique was not widely used for several years.

The first successful colour film was “The Wizard of Oz” in 1939, which used the Technicolor technique to produce a vivid colour image. The Technicolor technique was used in many films of the 1930s and 1940s, creating bright, vibrant photos that delighted audiences.

The transition to colour films with special effects

O ver the years, filmmakers continued to experiment with colour and special effects. The 1950s saw the introduction of colour to 3D cinema, which created images that popped out of the screen. However, the technique lasted only a short time and was abandoned in the late 1950s.

In the 1960s, colour films became more common, and the image quality improved considerably. Filmmakers began to use special effects to create images that looked incredibly realistic. Science fiction films used these techniques to create imaginary worlds and strange creatures, while action films used special effects to create scenes of explosions and destruction.

The 1970s and 1980s saw the introduction of video and colour television, allowing filmmakers to produce even more prosperous and saturated colour images. Special effects techniques also improved, creating incredibly realistic images.

Poster of The wizard of oz

© Flickr

Modern films

Today, filmmakers have advanced digital tools to create breathtaking images. Modern films use digital special effects, high-resolution cam- eras and sophisticated colour-grading techniques to produce more realistic images than ever. Colours are more vibrant, shadows are more nuanced, and details are finer than ever. Filmmakers are also free to manipulate paint to create dramatic and emotional effects.

In addition to image quality, modern films have also pushed the boundaries of visual storytelling. Filmmakers use colour to create visual themes that resonate with viewers and reinforce the meaning of the story. For example, in the film “La La Land”, colours are used to reflect the characters’ emotions, creating a nostalgic and melancholic mood.

In addition, the filmmakers use colour to differentiate scenes and characters. Colours are used to distinguish villains from heroes, signal changes in time and place, and create moods that match the film’s perspective.

La La Land, the perfect example of a Technicolor movie

© Vanity Fair

In conclusion, the evolution of colour in film has been an exciting development in cinema history. From the first black-and-white films to modern films with digital special effects, filmmakers have used paint to create immersive and emotional cinematic experiences. Colour has evolved to become more vibrant, nuanced and sophisticated, offering endless possibilities for filmmakers to tell compelling stories. Colour remains a crucial element of visual storytelling in film, and we look forward to seeing how filmmakers will continue to use it to amaze and captivate us.