Phantom of the Opera opening - Lighting and Colour analysis (up to 1.08)

As the phantom of the opera starts the credits start to set the scene with the writing lit up with a glowing yellow/gold around them. This creates an eerie and spooky effect before the film begins. A candle appears and lights up the credits, creating a spooky effect again and giving the audience an idea of what sort of film is yet to follow. Then as the film begins, all colours are lost and it is now shown in black and white. This shows time changing and sets the timing for the film. The black and white film is neutrally lit with not much contrast and is relatively grainy and musty, adding to the time setting of 1919.

There is still no colour shown as the film focuses on the auction until the chandelier of the Phantom of the Opera is being sold. When this happens and it is pulled up, it pulls up colour with it and everything is enhanced with bright colours. It is emphasized and shows the importance of the chandelier right at the beginning. The room where the auction is held is turned into a theatre and deep reds, gold and other bright colours are all used which can represent wealth, royalty and importance as they are rich colours.

The colour change shows the clear division between the scenes and the time settings. The black and white grainy film that changes into bright colours that are rich and important also brings the fact that the chandelier from the phantom of the opera is important and powerful as when it was raised and pulled up it pulled up the colours as well showing that it is a powerful tool within the film and a main part. As the colour is pulled up by the chandelier, the room is lit up with bright gold lights also. This creates a warmer and busier feeling of the room and takes it from the cold black and white scenes into the busy colourful film that’s to follow.