Cinematography

Something really interesting about movie is not only that they entertain you, but the cinematography can also alter your perception of the plot and the characters in ways you might not even recognize. For example, the lighting in a scene may not come to your attention while you’re watching it, but it does change the tone of the entire scene. If the lighting is in a lower light it can make the moment seem more dramatic, either intensely mysterious or romantic. But say the lighting is bright and shows all of the beautiful colors present; this makes the scene more open and inviting to the watchers’ eye, creating a happier mood.

                Take the movie Captain America: The First Avenger. A lot of the movie takes place in low lighting do to the burgeoning war that looms over the plotline. Many of the scenes also occur in dismal weather, either a cloudy, dreary atmosphere or sometimes even raining. Until, that is, Captain America is manufactured from the Super Soldier serum and then America seems to have something to applaud. At this point in the plot, there’s merriment and singing because Cap symbolizes hope for the future of America. Without even realizing it, the cinematography has changed how you view the scene just by a few altercations to the background.

                The special effects are also something that can make you see things in a different way. In Captain America: The First Avenger, Steve Rodger’s fighting style is almost comedic. It features Steve jumping into the air dramatically, and punching the villain in slow motion while an explosion sets off in the background. It’s also fitting to the story, however. If Steve were to immediately have spectacular fighting skills, it wouldn’t appeal to the audience’s perception of his struggle to be Captain America. Instead, the cheesiness of the fighting style and special effects surround that make it seem like he’s still learning, still easing into his role as the hero. It also highlights the fact that the movie takes place in 1944, and that mankind has grown and learned since then.

                Captain America: The Winter Soldier does the exact opposite. The sequel takes place in the present or near future, after the events of The Avengers. Since then, Steve’s learned how the new world works, and he’s done multiple missions as the countries hero. He knows how to handle the challenges being thrown at him, and it shows in the cinematography of the movie. Everything is sleeker, flows easier, and the choreography for the fight scenes has improved exponentially. It reflects Steve’s growth as a character as well as the direction that the future has developed compared to the past.