Lighting blog post

 1)The first image is an example of low key lighting as on the image, the ladies face has a drastic split of light and shadows where the rays of light shine harshly on her face while the shadows (although enough for us to see her face) seem a lot more soft. It also uses top lighting because the shadows don't cloud her facial expressions. With these 2 combined it gives off a sense of mystery around the character especially with the with smoke.

2) This image is an example of low key lighting with most of the shot/picture being kept in darkness whilst having contrasting bits of light. Just like the other picture this one uses top lightning as the main source of light illuminates the actresses face as she gazes towards the ceiling. These effects bring of a sense a dread as the shadows are heavily favoured and the Woman's face almost being consumed by it.

3) The image used definitely uses high key lightning as the king stands in the bright of day with the image being brightly lit with there being small patches of shadows. Additionally it most likely uses under lighting as well. The effect this educes is ownership and pride which suits someone seen as royalty and above everyone.

4)This image is an example of low key lighting with its strong composition of dramatic shadows and glimpses of light on parts of the character the producer deems important. They use this in conjunction with back lighting to cast the character in a semi silhouette to make him look more discreet but powerful. This effectively makes the character give off a more silent aggression with his intentions being clear as you can see the gun in the bottom left corner. 

5)This image seems to use a combination of both high and low key lighting as there is definitely a contrast of the light and shadows but not to the extent of the other images beforehand. There aren't as many shadows as there are in the other low key lightning photos but it does look to be a more realistic lit scene. They might be using top lighting to show the audience the facial expression of the woman in fear. This effectively surprises the audience as the duality between the lighting depicts a horror scene in broad daylight.

6) I think this image uses low key lighting as the light from window is split into light and dark from the curtains. it may also be using a combination of back lighting and top lightning as the main source of illumination seems to be coming from behind but they also use the top lighting is accentuate the actors features. This lighting gives the scene a nervous yet exciting feel too it as they're not fully concealed by shadows.

7) This image definitely uses low key lighting in this theatrical scene since there's a great distinction between the light and the shadows. This also most likely uses back lighting since the figures in the image are simply silhouettes. This lighting makes these characters seem heroic but a little mysterious. 

8)This image might be using low key lighting with the girls pronounced shadows on the light of the wall. It also could be using under lighting as this seems to be from some kind of horror. The effect this creates is an increasing tension from that scene.

9)This image probably uses high key lighting with its brightly lit image. This is probably using top lighting due to their face being mostly visible. The effect this educes is a more divine and hopefully appearance as theirs rare bits of shadows with the light covering most of the image.

10)This image is probably using low key lighting with its pitch black shadows and small glimpses of light to reveal things about the character. They might be using back lighting in this image as most of the character and the scene are covered in darkness making the character almost blend into the environment. This effect creates an eerie atmosphere as the only glimpses of light on the screen are disturbing like the knife in his hand and pale face.

11) This image probably uses high key lighting to make the seem seem more natural. They could be using top lighting to get the audiences attention onto the characters body language and faces. This effect makes a romantic atmosphere.

Film Noir Research

• Film Noir is French for a Dark Film
• Usually contains cynical heroes and intricate plots with some philosophy 
• It emphasises low key lighting and unbalanced compositions
• Was applied to film in 1940
• Neo-Noir films released in 2010
• Usually a presence of crime moral ambiguity with complex characters. The antagonist usually follows this moral ambiguity and questions the hero.
• Mostly has a conflict between criminals and the police
• Always plays with darkened shadows and types of lighting.

The Third Man Ferris Wheel scene (1949)                                                                    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21h0G_gU9Tw

Like all movies during this time the movie is set in black and white. Though most noirs use low key lighting in this scene it seems to use mostly high key lighting as this scene is during the bright of day. This scene includes the moral ambiguity noir is known for where one of the characters asks whether they would feel pity if he killed those people below him if you were compensated with money. They also contain themes of crime with the character obviously being a criminal but without evidence being able to pin him down. This antagonist seems to have adopted a selfish outlook and philosophy on life where one mans pain is his own benefit which links to the codes and conventions of this genre.