Why are movies filmed in "Black and White" so much more powerful in aspects of drama and atmosphere?

Question

(than movies filmed in "color")?

Answer 1

Black and white renders the world in an inherently abstract way that forces us to re-examine the way we view our world. I think that it can create greater drama because it affords cinematographers much greater opportunities to explore the properties of light for dramatic effect. Color tends to distract too much from these qualities. The Film Noir era is probably the golden age of the style but Roger Deakins' work in The Coen Bros The Man Who Wasn't there is the best modern example I can think of.

Answer 2

Black and white movies can create powerful symbols by selectively coloring some aspects and the color of certain objects doesn't draw away from the story by drawing the eye to certain objects. The patron can simply focus on the movie instead of the background and costuming or makeup. Also, selective coloration let the director create a theme in color or highlight important symbols so that the patron doesn't miss anything the director feels is important to the story and its underlying themes.

Answer 3

In black and white films the director has to conscious of contrast and shadows. This is what makes black and white films more artistic. Directors can play off this and add certain things that will contrast each other or things that won't depending on the scene, which doesn't work in color films.

Answer 4

I like black and white movies because they let me use my imagination. My hubby and I like to go to B/W movies and then discuss what color we thought their clothes were, etc. Black and White movies make use of shadows more that color movies do. This is a great question.

Answer 5

Well In my own perspective the black and white technique have to come with full details to let the expectator or public to get more involved in the drama part, (is just my opinion and excuse about my english)

Answer 6

I'm guessing that the elimination of colour forces the brain to focus on other elements of the viewing experience and induce a greater use of imagination than a colour movie.

Answer 7

You're right movies are better in Black in White wierd... sorry no answer though, I recently saw A Hard Day's Night-The Beatles...

Answer 8

They're not. That'd be the director, actors, story and editing.

If you feel there is a predilection towards that then it might be that people have to use their imagination more, so the rest of the production's intrinsic strength is better shown due to the audience's increased mental participation...

Answer 9

i think without color in a movie you notice more details because you are not as distracted by all the colors

Answer 10

I agree you are noticing other things since you are not having to pay attention to colors.