Identify the type of lighting used in the film (traditional three-point, high-key, or low-key).
Marvel’s The Avengers had quite a few levels of high-key lighting because of the type of movie it is. They had to give it a lighter feel for the sake of being a family friendly movie. Because of the amazing action scenes and the massive amount of computer generated images they used during the filming they used different camera angles so to offer a vivid depiction of the Avenger’s adventures as they tried to battle Loki and the Chitauri. They also used the three-point lighting so they can showcase the characters playing offer of the real background as well as the artificial background.
One of the low-key lighting I could think of was the scene where Loki first arrived on earth. His face was very dark and the scene just changed to accommodate his attitude. He was sinister and so was the lighting.
Another was the fight scene between Thor, Iron Man, and Captain America. They were fighting in a forest with very little lighting. Everything was mostly dark but with enough lighting to showcase the costumes and the action sequences.
Summary:
Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D. assembles a team of superheroes to save the planet from Loki and his army.
Cast:
Robert Downey Jr. …
Tony Stark / Iron Man
Chris Evans …
Steve Rogers / Captain America
Mark Ruffalo …
Bruce Banner / The Hulk
Chris Hemsworth …
Thor
Scarlett Johansson …
Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow
Jeremy Renner …
Clint Barton / Hawkeye
Tom Hiddleston …
Loki
Clark Gregg …
Agent Phil Coulson
Cobie Smulders …
Agent Maria Hill
Stellan Skarsgård …
Selvig
Samuel L. Jackson …
Nick Fury
Gwyneth Paltrow …
Pepper Potts
Paul Bettany …
Jarvis (voice)
Assess the impact of the lighting used to establish the theme.
◦What are the benefits of the style of lighting used?
The high-key lighting design has very bright light over everything, with few shadows and relatively low contrast between the lightest and darkest parts of the scene. This aid the whole tone of the film because like I mention before this is a more family oriented film. The colorful characters, their magical powers, etc. require a vivid appeal abut them. Bright light were important to the over tone of the film. Although there were certain scene that require low-key light so that seriousness level of the scene would be believable.
The three-point key lighting is careful control of the shadows by using three main light sources. I think this type of lighting play really well during the last battle scene. Due to the fact that were so many different angles being approached and also because of the amount of CGI that was used to film that scene. There some over head shots, close ups, and etc. Every moment during the battle scene had some form tone to itself.
◦How did this technique contribute to the theme?
These techniques contributed to the film by offering an assemble of fun and entertainment as well as a contrast to the tone of the film. There were moments when darkness was required and there were moments when a large amount of light was required.
◦How was the lighting technique suited to the genre of the film? For example, documentary films tend to rely on natural light as a way of creating an overall tone of authenticity.
A lot of bright lighting for vivid color displays was required for this film. This help showcase the costumes of Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, and Loki. As well as the different types of artificial technology used to show a type of futuristic look in Tony Stark’s Lab and in Shield’s Flying Carrier. here was a lot of artificial lighting in this movie due to it’s theme and tone. Some of that light were not have been possible with natural light, a good example is the Hulk’s interaction with the other character. Due the fact that the Hulk is Mark Rufflo in a costume with his whole body covering in CGI. Thanks to motion capturing.
Compare how the scene would play if different choices had been made.
I think the last fight scene probably could be shot using the low-key lighting. A dim more gritty look would have play well with the scene in my opinion. Maybe try some underlighting to showcase the diabolicalness of Loki and his army. But the scene played really well and was a good way to end the film
The Avengers Assemble 