I'm so glad I'm keeping up with this popular series of film analyses I call The Colours of Cinema. I mean, our lives are made of colours, and it goes without saying that this colour is everywhere. Natural elements show off rich hues of green, hence many filmmakers have incorporated this colour in their palettes often.
Mischief and innocence
Barfi! (2012), one of Ranbir Kapoor's finest performances, has a consistent green palette that evokes feelings of safety and comfort. Whether the scene is set in the forest or in the cosy hills with colourful houses, there's a sense of mischief and innocence shared between Barfi and Jhilmil. This is fitting for a film that is all about growth and human connection. The beautiful visuals are imprinted in my mind for their stunning beauty.
Comfort and nostalgia
As a kid, I loved watching the Shrek series. I remember watching it in the cinema too. Shrek's abode is picturised as the perfect home for an ogre. As the animation got more advanced as the years went by, the vibrancy of Shrek's world never disappointed. The green swamp was his sanctuary, too. We learned from Shrek and Fiona that being "ugly" as an ogre did not stop them from finding their inner beauty.
Nature and all its shades
Whether it is the beloved The Jungle Book (2016) or Okja (2017), nature was personified. In the former, which is one of my favourite live-action Disney films, the essence of nature was truly captured. The green hues used were much darker and made it seem like there was always an ominous threat. This is sensible given that a jungle is never just fun and games. Another nature-centric movie with themes revolving around environmental protection is Okja (2017). Directed by Bong Joon-Ho, there is a stark contrast between the atmospheres of jungle life and when Okja (the genetically-modified pig) was held in captive; lush greenery is the safe haven for Okja while the dark meat industry was not. What makes both films similar in a way is that they tackle the idea of conflicting lives: nature and the city. Based on these, it doesn't seem like a coincidence that the colour green was abundant on the 'good' side.
Simulation..?
It would be odd if I didn't mention The Matrix franchise (1999-present). This science fiction action series starring Keanu Reaves is filled with a recurring green that
resembles computer code. The green isn't just superficially induced, though. It is present in most frames, reminding us that they are in the matrix.
Everything.
I'm a fan of Mani Ratnam's terrorism trilogy: Roja (1992), Bombay (1995) and Dil Se.. (1998). The latter is set in Assam where—amidst a hostile environment—an unusual love blossoms. Green is a mix of everything in this thriller: passionate love, picturesque Kashmir, gripping political themes (complex enough to get emotional as you listen to Moina's painful background) and striking costumes (it's a Bollywood movie, after all).
Green is one of my favourite colours (I was the Vice Captain of the Green House in my high school) and it was fun finding movies I like with this abundant colour. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below and suggest a colour you want to see next on The Colours of Cinema. Don't forget to like, share and subscribe to Four Eyes! Stay tuned for more :)
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