How to Appreciate a Black and White Film

Filming in black and white (B&W) is just about a thing of the past. However, a well done B&W film is a thing of beauty and, in some cases, better than if it had been done in color.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• An appreciation and love for motion pictures

1. The uniqueness of B&W: Mood and atmosphere make the better B&W films unique. This is especially true of the 1940s American film noir classics and of Italian horror in the 1960s. (See 1964’s La Danza Macabre, AKA Castle of Blood, to view B&W Italian horror at its very best) Mexican horror of that period is pretty good as well; perhaps not quite as atmospheric. These types of stories are only examples of the many plots and storylines that lend themselves to the subdued tension that make them what they are. Early Alfred Hitchcock films are other cases in point.
2. Color vs. B&W: As far as film is concerned, color is not always better. In fairness, there are films that most definitely should be done in color. Musicals, slasher horror, (if you are a fan of that genre), and anything filmed outdoors in an expansive setting (John Ford westerns) are examples of this. However, the point is, B&W has its place and this author is surprised and disappointed that modern day producers and directors do not recognize this. If you, as a writer or filmmaker, are wishing to establish an undercurrent of bleakness and harsh reality to your story, B&W may be the best option. Consider film legend Humphrey Bogart. His persona and the type of stories he appeared in lent themselves perfectly to B&W.
3. Differences in B&W films: As with anything else, there are differences in style and quality. A poorly lit, low budget B&W is not so enjoyable to view. It can be as if you are wandering through your house after dark with no lights on. This is annoying and frustrating, especially if the story is any good at all. But, if you are fortunate enough to view a top quality B&W film which is well produced, it is a thing of beauty in its own right.
4. A nod to color: By all means, do not view a film solely because it is in B&W. Truthfully, most films are better when in color. The point being made here is, for the lesser number of films that lend themselves to B&W, they can be, and many are, classics in their own right.

Tips & Warnings

• See Schindler’s List for a modern film done predominately in B&W
• Even though it should have been done in color, Roman Holiday (1953) is a great example of a wonderful B&W film.
• If done properly, mood and emotion are enhanced, not diminished, by B&W. Think of Hitchcock’s Pyscho and the shower scene in particular.
• A well produced B&W film viewed in any kind of big screen television set produces an almost 3-D effect. This is truer with interior shoots than with exterior.
• Be wary of purchasing any B&W film on DVD if it marketed by an unknown vendor – particularly if the price is unusually low. It is probably taken from a second or third generation print and will be of dubious quality. Pay a little more for a digital print taken from a master film.