Colour in Film - 'Fantasy and Childhood' and quick Concept Art

Stills from a range of films covering fantasy/fairytale/childhood

Though I'm looking at a range of films of varying genres, I've mainly been focusing on films that have  a 'Portal story' narrative, as visually these create a noticeable contrast between the 'real' world and the imaginary, fantasy or magical world that child  (usually a child) visits. The colours used to evoke a 'magical' world vary, and there is no one formula since each world is different. However, the contrast and vibrancy seem to change, colour making a bolder impact than in the 'real' world.

Stills from The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (2005)

The concept of 'red' is interesting, and changes dependent on context, but always seems a theme in childhood and fairytales - a prime example being 'Little Red Riding Hood'. Whether it be Mr Tumnus' scarf, or Captain Hook's outfit, red can signify life as well as danger. A chapter of my essay will delve into this concept, as I research into colour theory, and specific colours connotations. 

Stills from Peter Pan (2003)

Below is some initial concept art as I begin to think of colour and the subject matter for the practical element of this module. The 'forest' seems like a common theme in the films I have been looking at, and offer that 'natural, magical' world for children to escape into - linking with the 'fairytale' aspect of childhood. It seems fitting then for me to try and film in the woods, and create changes in atmosphere with colour, for example, reds and golds acting as the 'warm' fantasy world.