The Symbolism of Red in Film 

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   The color red is one that evokes many passionate emotions. When we think of anger, love, lust, or embarrassment we think of the color red. Filmmakers understand the emotional payoff of the color and when they purposely use this color in their films it reminds us of these emotions. Red is a color which tends to stand out amongst others and this is in every aspect even outside of film. Studies show that red is the most attractive color to where, and that red cars are more likely to get pulled over. Because of the natural attraction that humans have to the color, it stands out a lot more. 

 

   In the film Schindler's List by Steven Speilberg, red is the only color outside of black and white. In this film red takes on the meaning of life and death at the same time. In a scene where the Nazis want to separate the healthy from the sick, a group of women draw their own blood for the purpose of using it as makeup and appear more lively. There is the irony of how by causing themselves pain the women are actually saving themselves. The red blood pops out of the screen as if screaming this cruel irony to the audience. This disturbing use of red is so effective because of the way that this color stimulates our brains. We cannot look away from the color or the pain. 

Another classic example of the color red in film, is in the film American Beauty by Sam Mendes. Sam Mendes effectively uses the color red; as a central motif to accentuate mood and theme, to contrast families, and to reveal characters personalities and feelings.

  

   Red is the color used for the women’s clothing, the cars, the doors and also it is the color of Lester’s blood splattered across the white table at the end of the movie. Throughout the film, Angela who is the object of Lester’s affection wears red lipstick, she wears brightly colored clothing and she is seen to Lester as surrounded by red rose petals, he has visions of her soaking in a bathtub of rose petals. Red is the dominant color of nail polish and lipstick for all the central females in the film. The color red carries the motif of the film because it symbolises the lust that Lester cannot help himself from. 

 

   In American culture red is a color of passion, of life and death. When filmmakers like Sam Mendes and Steven Speilberg use this color as a visual theme, they are invoking the feelings associated with the color to the audience. Filmmakers will take advantage of the psychological effect the color has on humans, and use it to tell their story.

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~Paloma Ixta

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