Although single, recurring colors can hold a deeper meaning, a more fleshed out film palette of colors (aka “color scheme”) is most effective in communicating the thematic context. Balanced color schemes refer to the harmonious relationships of colors on a color wheel. A balanced movie color palette creates unity and promotes a cohesive tone. The four most common types of color schemes are described below.
Analogues
Analogous colors neighbor each other on the color wheel (i.e. red / violet or yellow / lime green). Since the colors don’t have the contrast and tension of the complementary colors, they create an overall harmonious and soothing viewing experience.
Analogous colors are easy to take advantage of in landscapes and exteriors as they are often found in nature. One color can be chosen to dominate, a second to support, and a third (along with blacks, whites and grey tones) to accent.
Complementay
Contrasting drama (i.e. warm vs. cool). Complementary colors live opposite each other on the color wheel.
For example, orange and blue are complementary colors commonly used in many blockbuster films.
The dueling colors are often associated with conflict, whether internal or external. No matter the color selection, complementary colors combine warm and cool colors to produce a high-contrast, vibrant tension in the film.
Monochromatic
Monochromatic color schemes come in shades of a single color such as red, dark red, and pink. They create a deeply harmonious feeling that is soft, lulling and soothing. The Matrix is a good example of a monochromatic movie color scheme.
Nearly every scene set within the world of the matrix has a green hue. Shades of green permeate everything in the frame to create an unnatural, “lulling” effect (representative of those “asleep” inside the matrix).
Triadic
Vibrant and colorful, Triadic colors are three colors arranged evenly spaced around the color wheel (i.e. red, blue and yellow). One color should be dominant and the others accented.
Triadic is one of the least common movie color schemes, but it can be striking and vibrant even when the hues are unsaturated.
