https://doi.org/10.36719/2789-6919/42/94-98
Suada Guliyeva
Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts
master's student
https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7774-7901
suadag8@gmail.com
The Concept of Tonality in Black and White Films
Abstract
The article examines the main characteristics of black-and-white films, which hold a special place in the history of cinema as the foundation of its development. Some black-and-white films, remaining popular even in the era of color cinema, offer a unique approach to visual art.
From the earliest silent films to the advent of sound and color cinema, directors actively utilized light, shadow, and textures to create an expressive visual language. Despite the lack of color, the tonality of black-and-white films played a key role in conveying emotions, moods, and symbolism. The tonality in black-and-white films encompasses the full spectrum of shades from deep black to bright white. Alongside this, key aspects of black-and-white films are highlighted.
This article discusses some aspects of tonality in black-and-white films and provides examples of films below where we can observe technical properties, color, and light gradations.
Technical methods such as lighting, film choice, use of filters, and post-processing techniques allow directors and cinematographers to control contrast, detail, and image depth. This is done to convey atmosphere, reveal character traits, and enhance dramaturgy.
Black-and-white films remain in demand due to their aesthetic expressiveness and ability to focus the audience’s attention on important visual and emotional elements.
Keywords: black-and-white films, color, tonality, film, visual, emotions, dramaturgy