Color Theory

The color schemes for many horror movies include the colors red and black. Red is used to symbolize death and danger while black is used to develop fear and mystery.


The lighting used in horror movies is unlike those used in comedies or even action movies because the lighting is much darker and gloomy in order to properly establish the tone. Some movies include blue filters and low key lighting in order to establish this. In about 80% of horror movies the color palette is monochrome or sepia tone intertwined with hot or cool shades of red and blue to create a dark and eerie settings alluding to death, rather than bright colors used in fantasy such as yellow and pink which establish the opposite mood.


For my film opening the mise-en-scene and costume design of the film will include neutral colors along with black and white and details of red. The main character will wear white to resemble purity while the antagonist introduced will be wearing black with hints of red. I will be using the same techniques and include a sepia tone with cool shades of blue along with the red mise-en-scene.