The Unique Magic of Color in Black and White Films

Filmmakers often use color to draw attention to specific scenes or to highlight particular elements within a black and white film. This technique can create a powerful visual impact and add depth to the narrative. Two notable examples that exemplify this are the 1945 version of The Picture of Dorian Gray and the 1936 film The Women.

The Picture of Dorian Gray: A Bold Update in a Classic

The 1945 film adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray is based on Oscar Wilde's 1890 novel. Directed by Albert Lewin, the film stars George Sanders as Lord Henry Wotton and Hurd Hatfield as Dorian Gray. The film is shot predominantly in black and white, with four color inserts using three-strip Technicolor. These color scenes are crucial as they capture key moments in the development of Dorian Gray's character, depicting him in different stages: youthful, elegant, and ultimately degenerate.

Two significant paintings used in the film are titled 'Picture of Dorian Gray' and 'Portrait of Hurd Hatfield as Dorian Gray'. The first painting, 'Picture of Dorian Gray', was commissioned for the film and painted by Ivan Le Lorraine Albright. It is now a part of the permanent collection at the Art Institute of Chicago. Albright manipulated the painting to reflect the transformation of Dorian's character during the filming. The second painting, 'Portrait of Hurd Hatfield as Dorian Gray', was used at the beginning of the film and is a striking representation of Dorian’s youthful, innocent self.

The Women: The Fashion Show Color Insert

Among the handful of black and white films that feature color inserts, another notable example is the 1936 film The Women. This film, starring Joan Crawford, features a memorable fashion show sequence, depicted in color. In a black and white film, the inclusion of a short color segment can be a powerful technique to highlight the importance of the scene. The fashion show in The Women is a pivotal moment in the story, emphasizing the importance of fashion and the characters' reactions to the garments.

Why Use Color in a Black and White Film?

There are several reasons why filmmakers choose to use color in a black and white film. One primary reason is to enhance the storytelling by focusing the audience's attention on specific details or plot developments. In the case of The Picture of Dorian Gray, the color inserts effectively illustrate the before and after of Dorian's transformation, creating a stark contrast and emphasizing his moral decay. Similarly, in The Women, the color fashion show not only adds a vibrant visual element to the film but also underscores the significance of the characters' attitudes towards fashion.

Another reason is to provide a visual relief to the viewer. Black and white films can sometimes appear monotonous, and the introduction of color can break the monotony and add visual interest. In The Women, the fashion show sequence stands out as a vibrant and colorful interlude, making the film more engaging and memorable.

Moreover, the use of color can also serve a symbolic purpose. In The Picture of Dorian Gray, the evolution of Dorian's character is portrayed through the changing colors of the paintings. This adds an extra layer of meaning to the film, as the color changes reflect the moral and emotional transformation of the protagonist.

A Real-World Example

A real-world example of a film with a color segment is The Women. In this film, a short color sequence depicts a fashion show. This choice is particularly fitting given the importance of fashion to the story and to the characters within the film.

At the end of the day, the use of color in a black and white film is a deliberate artistic choice that can dramatically enhance the narrative and viewer experience. Films like The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Women demonstrate how effectively color can be integrated into a predominantly black and white visual style, adding a new dimension to the storytelling and enriching the viewer's engagement with the film.