Color in our Opening

 Color can play a big part in expressing certain moods and emotions in films. In fact, each color is usually associated to a certain feeling or thing in someone's mind. For example, the color red may be associated to love, while the color green to envy. While we don't focus too much on color in our film opening, there are a few instances where one can see color symbolizing something greater. 

First off, the biggest, most obvious use of color to express an emotion is definitely thought the first scene in Betty's room. Like I have stated before, Betty's room is relatively dark, with the blinds closed, but it also has a dark blue tone to it, with touches of purple. This is not coincidental! Blue can mean many different things, depending on the shade of the color. However, a deep, dark blue, like the one seen in our opening, can symbolize seriousness and depression. The color in the room is a reflection of the emotions Betty is currently feeling. She has just gone through a horrible breakup, which involved the person she loved betraying her trust and cheating on her. She feels lost, confused, sad, lonely, insecure, hopeless, depressed, and more. A bright yellow room would not coincide with these emotions, so a dark blue color fits perfectly in sync with Betty's emotions. 

One might also see the clothes that each character wear as a symbol of what they represent. For example, Betty wears a light pink top, a color that can symbolize youthfulness, femininity, and first love. All of these definitely represent Betty and the story, since it follows the tragic end to a wonderful, young, first love. So, I do think it makes sense for Betty to wear this color. Furthermore, James wears a red sweater, which could represent love and danger. I also think this fits James well because while he does represent the love that Betty once had, he also can be the danger that will break her heart. 

Finally, one could see August's wardrobe as symbolism too, but I have to say, it is a little bit of a stretch. So, August wears a white top with a green dragon in the center. White is a color that represents perfection, which could represent August since Betty and many other people view her as being this perfect girl who gets everything she wants. However, white could also represent purity and innocence, which isn't what I want August to represent at all! The green dragon has a whole other significance. The green can represent the envy August may feel towards Betty since James wants to be with her, or it may represent the envy other girls feel towards August. While it may not have to do with color, I should also mention that the dragon represents August in the eye's of the viewer. She is the big, bad dragon of the story that ruined something perfect and good.