This film is a masterclass in using audio contrast to build suspense. The film’s famous shark attacks are accompanied by the iconic, suspenseful theme. However, just before the attacks, the music pauses, and the audience is left with the ominous sound of the water, creating a sense of impending danger. When the shark strikes, the sudden burst of music heightens the scare.

This film takes the audience through various dreamscapes, each with its own unique audio atmosphere. As the characters navigate between dream levels, the contrast in sound design and music helps distinguish and immerse the audience in each distinct world.

On the other hand, slowing down the pace of editing can build suspense, draw the audience’s attention to specific details, or emphasize the emotional weight of a scene.

In the film, the Bates Motel features a stark contrast between the brightly lit office and the shadowy, foreboding house. This contrast underscores the duality of the setting and adds to the suspense of the film.

And this is where we come in. Today we will go through the topic of ‘Contrast’ and try to know all we can know about it and how we can use it in different aspects of filmmaking, especially cinematography.

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In visual terms, contrast is the the contradiction in luminance or color that makes an object distinguishable. In visual perception of the real world, contrast is determined by the difference in the color and brightness of the object and other objects within the same field of view.

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The director and editor used deliberate pacing in the film’s intimate moments to allow the emotions and nuances of the characters to unfold slowly.

Wide Shots vs Close Ups – Contrasting wide shots with close-ups can create a sense of scale and emphasize specific details or emotions.

In short, high contrast is when there is a huge gap between the darkest and the lightest parts of the shot resulting in strong lights and shadows. Low-Key lighting is used for high contrast. It is used extensively in film noir, thrillers, horror and other dramatic films as it evokes mystery and suspense. Godfather is a prime example.

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In the film’s action sequences, the editor employed rapid cuts to heighten the sense of chaos and urgency, placing the audience right in the middle of the action.

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This crime drama uses diegetic music, such as popular songs from the ’50s and ’60s, to enhance the film’s time period and atmosphere. However, in moments of intense violence or drama, the non-diegetic score takes over, adding a layer of emotion and tension that complements the visuals.

The technique that they used was called Chiaroscuro, which was then used a lot in German Expressionist Cinema. To know more about it, check out this article –

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At its core, contrast in filmmaking refers to the difference between lightest and the darkest elements of a scene or the interplay between light and shadow in a shot. The two major types of contrast are High Contrast and Low Contrast, which have very different purposes in cinema and can be achieved by the following means.

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In this sci-fi epic, the sound designer used audio contrast to immerse the audience in the vastness of space. During intense space sequences, the sound effects and the powerful score were amplified to create a sense of awe and excitement. In contrast, during more intimate and introspective moments, the volume was lowered, emphasizing the characters’ emotions and thoughts.

Audio contrast in filmmaking refers to the deliberate use of different audio elements to create dynamic and impactful soundscapes. By strategically contrasting sounds, filmmakers can heighten emotions, build tension, and enhance the overall storytelling experience.

By skillfully manipulating the visual elements in these aspects of filmmaking, filmmakers can enhance the contrast, establish the mood and atmosphere, and guide the audience’s attention to important narrative elements. By collaborating with production designers, set designers, and costume designers, filmmakers can ensure that the visual storytelling is cohesive, impactful, and memorable.

Along with beautiful images, it should also be meaningful. Something which you can also control with the different attributes of your image as mentioned above.

The opening scene, featuring a young girl in a red coat amidst the black-and-white imagery, stands out as a poignant symbol of innocence amidst the darkness of war and persecution.

Low Contrast is when the difference between the lightest and the darkest elements of the shot is not a lot resulting in even illumination. High-Key lighting leads to low contrast. It is mostly used in comedies, sitcoms and other non-intense shots and sequences as it evokes a cheerful and bright mood. Wedding Crashers is a good example.

It is the difference between the lightest and darkest elements within a shot or scene. It encompasses the full spectrum of tones, from pure whites to deep blacks, and everything in between. In filmmaking, contrast is not only about brightness and darkness but also about creating emotional connections between the audience and the story.

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In the film, they used low-angle shots to portray the intimidating presence of Batman, while high-angle shots depicted the vulnerability of other characters.

They used spatial contrast in battles to switch between sweeping wide shots of the battlefield and intense close-ups of characters, intensifying the drama and spectacle.

Contrast has been used in paintings for a long time to create meaning and also to add depth and dynamics to an image. Some painters like Caravaggio and Rembrandt were one of the firsts to use high contrast in their paintings which gave their paintings a completely different look then what was the standard at that time and made it look much more interesting and realistic. They chose light sources and juxtaposed dark and light elements and made beautiful images with their interplay.

Production, set, and costume design are integral components of filmmaking that play a crucial role in influencing contrast and shaping the visual storytelling of a film. Each of these elements contributes to the overall aesthetic and atmosphere of the movie, and their thoughtful manipulation can enhance the contrast, emphasize key narrative elements, and evoke specific emotions in the audience.

By manipulating silence and sound effects, volume and intensity, diegetic and non-diegetic sound, and contrasting soundscapes, filmmakers can evoke specific emotions, build tension, and create a more immersive and engaging storytelling experience.

By adjusting the pacing and timing of cuts, using spatial contrast to frame shots, and employing visual transitions, editors can shape the emotional impact of a film, guide the audience’s attention, and elevate the overall storytelling experience. The art of editing allows filmmakers to manipulate contrast, control the narrative rhythm, and craft a cohesive and engaging cinematic journey.

In filmmaking, contrast is used for a variety of effects and in almost all the departments. How does contrast help in films?

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Contrast plays a main role in the image and how it looks. It is one of the most important things that the director and the cinematographer has to decide on, so as to maintain a certain sense of continuity in the film and ensure that the film has the specific tone and mood that it requires.

Fast-paced editing with quick cuts between shots can create a sense of excitement and intensity. This technique is often used in action sequences or to portray moments of high emotion.

Contrast plays a pivotal role in conveying the emotional and psychological aspects of a scene. It can be used for these different purposes –

This movie utilized audio contrast to great effect. The film features moments of eerie silence interspersed with sudden and jarring gunshots. The silence creates a tense and suspenseful atmosphere, making the gunshots more shocking and impactful when they occur.

To make sure that it looks professional and beautiful, you should know what you are shooting, how you want it to look and what you have to do to achieve the desired results.

This rounds up our list of techniques which you can use to influence the contrast in your films to evoke the right emotions and make sure that the message of your film gets delivered.

Editing is a powerful tool in filmmaking that can be used to influence contrast and enhance the visual storytelling. Through the careful selection of shots, pacing, and transitions, editors can manipulate the contrast between scenes, create dramatic impact, and guide the audience’s emotional journey.

Contrast in filmmaking is a powerful storytelling technique that utilizes the interplay of light and shadows to add depth, dimension, and emotional resonance to the narrative. It encompasses a wide range of tones, from the brightest highlights to the deepest shadows, allowing filmmakers to manipulate the visual impact and guide the audience’s emotions.

High Angles vs Low Angles – Contrasting high-angle shots with low-angle shots can create a power dynamic or evoke different emotional responses.

Once you are done with the first two steps, which ideally should be a part of pre-production then comes the real part. Making sure that it looks as you have imagined it. For that to happen, you have to control your camera and all the attributes of your image which includes exposure, motion, compositions, contrast and many other things.

Do let me know when you try them out and also let me know if you find any other ways to play around with the contrast in your films. I’ll be waiting!

To make a film which can stand out in the crowd, you need an exceptional story along with beautiful images. To make a film which can at least stand in the crowd and be in the running for the attention of the audience, you definitely need beautiful images. In a world where everyday hundreds of films are being made everyday, how your film looks becomes a matter of utmost importance.

Filmmaking is a complicated business. Even if you don’t go into the actual ‘business’ or the economics of it, making a film in itself is a mammoth task. In the sense that as a director or a cinematographer, you have to know and think about a lot of different things. Especially, if you want to make a film which at least looks and feels professional.