MovieChat Forums > Apocalypse Now (1979) Discussion > Best use of colour in any film ever

Best use of colour in any film ever

posted 5 years ago by JamieLikesThis (3)
2 replies | jump to latest

I absolutely love the palette of Apocalypse Now. Napalm and the heavy Vietnamese sun soak every scene in this incredibly rich orange that just bounces off the reflections of the river. The scenes with Kilgore feel incredibly dry and dusty and it compliments the tone of the movie so well at that point. The final sequence uses silhouettes and shadows to create something really disturbing and horrific. I don't know, I just can't think of another movie where the use of colour has been more effective in setting the mood and atmosphere

[–] BlissNEsb (108) 5 years ago

Totally. It's a sensory film that never leaves your mind. Coupled with the deep focus cinematography, especially in hi def, makes you feel the sweat and jungle humidity. I can think of a few movies which also utilize light and palette to similar effect; "The Cook, The Thief, His Wife And Her Lover" by Peter Greenaway, does nice things with the palette and contrast. Kubrick's "Eyes Wide Shut" also has a dynamic and distinct look that I vividly remember in theatres though unfortunately not properly replicated on blu ray.

[–] snepts (11123) 5 years ago

I do want to applaud you for pointing out the importance of color in film. There are loads of examples where directors make a very direct concentration on color. I'd say Almodovar is always conscious of how his films look regarding color. And Aronofsky to a degree.