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Cinematography lesson 4 - lighting

This document provides an introduction to lighting techniques in film, including three point lighting, high and low key lighting, and other specialized lighting approaches. It analyzes lighting in films like Alien and The Godfather to demonstrate how lighting creates mood, atmosphere, and informs the audience's understanding of characters. Students are assigned homework to analyze the cinematography and lighting in a selected film scene in detail.

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Learning Objectives Introduce: Lighting and the ‘Three Point Lighting’ System Analyse the lighting used in Gladiator & Alien Complete an in-depth analysis of Alien and write a short essay style evaluating the use of lighting in the extract
The Godfather Watch the following extract and make notes on the lighting that has been used How does the lighting create atmosphere? What do we learn about the character of Don Corelone? How does the lighting visualise the two The Godfather different ‘family’ lives of The Corleones? Dir: F.F. Copolla (Gangster family / domestic family?) (1972)
The Godfather In the opening sequences the interior shots of the Mafia doing ‘business’ in the office are very dark. This (along with This ‘office’ sequence contrasts effect of other cinematic codes) has the sharply when it cutsaudience wary and making the to the wedding sequence, which is joyous scene was deliberately expectant. The and presents the respectable, legitimate side ofheavy shot in a way that would cast the Corleone and theThis sequence is brightly shadows family. film stock was slightly lit with sunshine and makes effect. underexposed to add to the the audience feel like they are safe outside in the bright, natural light after the oppressive At times it is difficult to distinguish things shadows ofshadows butThe two sides of among the the interior. this was the the familydirector wanted. Why? Soare effect the and their duplicitous live that therefore perfectly established throughof the lighting complemented the themes lighting. concealment, dark intent, the film; threatening shadowy Mafia-men and the mysterious underworld.
Lighting Lighting is fundamental to filmmaking and has been a vital aspect of cinematography since the invention of the camera Lighting can emphasise different moods and feelings Horror Film By simply changing the lighting style a filmmaker can transform a romantic comedy in to a horror film in seconds Lighting has become an important signifier and Medial can be used to create different meanings & Drama generate different responses from the audience
Key Term: High High Key Lighting is a form of bright lighting Key Lighting that is used in normal, every day scenarios High Key Lighting is usually very bright and free from shadows It is generally used to create a light and open environment In what types of film would High Key Lighting be used? Action Movies Feel Good Movies Rom-Coms Comedies Children's Films
Key Term: Low Low Key Lighting is a form of DIM lighting used Key Lighting to create a subdued or fearful atmosphere It is also used to create suspense and tension This is achieved by one light source casting lots of shadows across the scene, blocking information from the audience In what types of film would Low Key Lighting be used? Horror Thriller Suspense
Lighting These two definitions (High & Low Key) are obviously very basic and there is a wide spectrum between the two. Rarely is there just one light illuminating a shot, instead several lights are used to create different effects The focus of the lighting department is always the ‘Star’. Some ‘stars’ even have special relationships with their cinematographers so they are lit just the way they want to be. This stems from the Golden Age of Hollywood when lighting achieved glamorous results on actors long before the invention of digital enhancement
Gladiator Lighting is as much a part of the cinematic language as camera angles and is essential in creating mood and atmosphere What type of lighting style has been used? How does the lighting contribute to the atmosphere of the scene? Gladiator Dir: Ridley Scott How does the lighting contribute to our (2000) understanding of Commodus? Make notes and compare them with a partner
Three Point Lighting The most common method lighting an actor is called System the Three Point Lighting System Key light The biggest and brightest light shinning from the front, bleaching out any hollows or contours on the face but creating shadow behind the person
Three Point Lighting System Back Light This creates a ‘halo’ effect and removes any defects or contrast with the background and foreground.
Three Point Lighting Fill Light System Used to fill any shadows created by the Key and Fill lights. For example, shadows cast across the eyes or nose
Overhead Lighting A Single light from above will cast harsh shadows and create a sinister, unflattering look. The effect will highlight contours on the face make characters faces look harder, more masculine and colder What types of characters would be lit by an overhead light? For what reasons would a filmmaker use this form of lighting?
Under Lighting The opposite of an overhead light – but having similar effect Under lights hollow out and obscure the eyes and emphasise lines on the face. This form of lighting is usually reserved for male characters People replicate this lighting by holding a torch under their face! What types of characters would be lit by an under light? For what reasons would a filmmaker use this form of lighting?
Side Lighting This light casts a shadow across the actors face – an effect that might be used in a thriller – for a duplicitous character
Alien Watch this scene from Alien and analyse the use of lighting Make notes on: What types of lighting have been used? The lighting is very effective in creating a tense and suspenseful atmosphere – how does the lighting do this? What does the lighting add to the scene? Alien Dir: Ridley Scott Provide specific examples from the extract
Summary Lighting is a vital element of filmmaking Light is used to create mood and atmosphere and infer information about characters The way a character is lit will determine how we respond to them and can be visual signifiers of a characters intentions / motives / feelings High Key Light is used to create a bright atmosphere free of shadows Low Key Lighting is used to create a dark, sinister atmosphere full of shadows
AS Film – Cinematography Homework Pick ONE scene from a film and complete an in-depth analysis of the cinematography and lighting All of the information you You must: require to complete this task can be found in your Write a detailed analysis of how the shot types, Cinematography and Lighting camera angles and camera movements inform booklet the audience and creating meaning All lessons and resources can be found on our blog: You must Include: www.sssfcfilm.blogpost.co.uk • Correctly labelled shot types and camera movements Click on the ‘FM1 – Exploring • The form of lighting in use film form link for resources / lessons Word count: 500 words at least Due date: Friday 21st September Clips: Search ‘SSSFCFILM’ on YouTube for our YouTube channel