Vita Tae Zorat

Abstract

The atmosphere of a movie is the main element that can shape the perception of space, time and characters in a designed filmic world. This claim is based on the fact that atmospheres can be seen as moods that exist a priori, which do not create elements, but rather present them in one particular crafted way. By transpiring through every shot, the atmosphere acquires power when meeting the perceiving mind of the audience. When an atmosphere is consistent, all actions that appear in the movie will then have a reason to be in that specific way. As many elements are at the base of a film creation, from the narrative to the character's development, it is the atmosphere that can unify them and build one unique coherent world. Said world should be able to give the impression of existing through and beyond the film itself. In fact, entering a dimmed lit silent church in which light shapes the environment through dust particles, for example, can definitely give a different impression than a fully bright and colourful chaotic one. Two atmosphere are here in contrast and, by experiencing one of them, it is almost impossible to imagine the other existing. To visualize and design a specific atmosphere is hence one of the main tasks for a cinematographer. By choosing and combining all cinematographic tools such as camera placement, light design, colors and framing, the determined atmosphere should always be kept in mind. In the context of the short movie Bruxa a series of film theories and studies were analysed in order to develop the director's vision and to detect the main characteristics of this film's world, as well as their effect on the audience. A ghostly, erratic and grim atmosphere, in which day seems never to come, was then built accordingly.