I’ve always been fascinated by how color grading can completely shift the mood of a scene, especially when it comes to male characters. Warm tones often feel intimate or nostalgic, while cool tones can create distance or tension. But I’m curious how do you think these choices play into stereotypes of masculinity? For example, a character like Don Draper in Mad Men often has this golden, almost smoky warmth around him, which feels very “classic masculine,” whereas someone like Batman in The Dark Knight is bathed in cool blues and shadows, emphasizing stoicism.
Do you think filmmakers use these techniques intentionally to challenge or reinforce traditional ideas of how men “should” express emotion? Or is it more about the story’s overall vibe? Would love to hear your thoughts or any examples that stood out to you!