Movies have the power to transport us to different worlds and make us feel different emotions. One of the most powerful tools filmmakers use to achieve this is lighting. Lighting can create a mood, set a tone, and convey a feeling. It can be used to show us the world in a new way or to highlight the beauty of a moment. In this post, we'll take a look at some of the most iconic lighting scenes in classic and modern movies.
Classic Movies
The Godfather
The Godfather is one of the most iconic movies of all time, and it's not hard to see why. The movie is filled with memorable scenes, and one of the most iconic is the scene where Michael Corleone (played by Al Pacino) takes his place as the new Godfather. The scene is shot in low light, with just a single lamp illuminating Michael's face. The light casts deep shadows, giving the scene a sense of mystery and danger.
Citizen Kane
Citizen Kane is often considered one of the greatest movies ever made, and it's easy to see why. The movie is filled with visually stunning scenes, but one of the most iconic is the scene where Kane is standing alone in his giant mansion. The room is dark, with just a single light on Kane's face. The light creates a sense of loneliness and isolation, highlighting the emptiness of Kane's life.
Casablanca
Casablanca is a classic movie that's known for its romance and drama. One of the most iconic scenes in the movie is the scene where Rick (played by Humphrey Bogart) says goodbye to Ilsa (played by Ingrid Bergman) at the airport. The scene is shot in low light, with just a single light on Rick's face. The light creates a sense of sadness and longing, highlighting the pain of their separation.
Gone with the Wind
Gone with the Wind is a classic movie that's known for its epic scope and romantic storyline. One of the most iconic scenes in the movie is the scene where Scarlett O'Hara (played by Vivien Leigh) is standing on the staircase, wearing a stunning red dress. The scene is shot in low light, with just a single light on Scarlett's face. The light creates a sense of glamour and beauty, highlighting the stunning dress and Scarlett's captivating presence.
Modern Movies
Blade Runner 2049
Blade Runner 2049 is a visually stunning movie that's filled with incredible lighting scenes. One of the most iconic scenes in the movie is the scene where K (played by Ryan Gosling) first enters the Las Vegas ruins. The scene is shot in orange and blue light, with the orange light coming from the sun setting in the background and the blue light coming from the holographic billboard in the foreground. The light creates a sense of awe and wonder, highlighting the beauty of the ruined city.
The Revenant
The Revenant is a movie that's known for its stunning visuals and intense action scenes. One of the most iconic scenes in the movie is the scene where Hugh Glass (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) is attacked by a bear. The scene is shot in natural light, with the sun shining through the trees. The light creates a sense of realism and intensity, making the scene feel like it's happening right in front of us.
Moonlight
Moonlight is a movie that's known for its raw emotion and powerful storytelling. One of the most iconic scenes in the movie is the scene where Chiron (played by Alex Hibbert) is sitting on the beach with Juan (played by Mahershala Ali). The scene is shot in low light, with just a single light on their faces. The light creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, highlighting the connection between the two characters.
La La Land
La La Land is a modern musical that's known for its vibrant colors and energetic dance numbers. One of the most iconic scenes in the movie is the opening scene, which takes place on a busy freeway during rush hour. The scene is shot in bright, bold colors, with the lights of the cars and city creating a sense of excitement and energy.
Conclusion
Lighting is one of the most powerful tools filmmakers have at their disposal, and these movies prove just how impactful it can be. Whether it's creating a sense of mystery and danger, highlighting the beauty of a moment, or conveying raw emotion, lighting can make all the difference in a movie. So the next time you watch a movie, pay attention to the lighting and see just how much it can enhance the experience. From the classic black and white movies to the latest blockbusters, lighting has been and will always be a crucial element of cinema. It can make a movie feel magical, stunning, or even terrifying. It can create a mood and atmosphere that can make us feel like we are part of the story. It can make the difference between a good movie and a great one. Therefore, we should appreciate the work of lighting designers and cinematographers, who use their creativity and talent to make movies an immersive experience for us.