The Psychological Aspects of Cinematography

and Its Impact onto the Younger Generation

Cinematography, the art of visual storytelling through the lens of a camera, has a
profound psychological impact on the younger generation. The way a film is shot,
framed, and edited can shape the perceptions, emotions, and even beliefs of its
viewers, particularly those who are still in their formative years. Here are some key
psychological aspects of cinematography and its impact on the younger generation:

1. Visual Stimuli and Emotional Response: Cinematography employs

various techniques such as camera angles, lighting, and color grading to evoke
specific emotional responses from the audience. For example, in "Fight Club," the
use of desaturated colors and gritty cinematography reflects the bleak and nihilistic
worldview of the protagonist. In "Black Swan," the contrasting use of bright and
dark lighting symbolizes the mental descent of the lead character.

2. Normalization and Desensitization: The way violence, sex, or

controversial subjects are portrayed through cinematography can contribute to the
normalization or desensitization of these themes among younger audiences. Films
like "American Psycho" and "Joker" feature graphic violence shot in a stylized and
almost glamorized manner, potentially desensitizing viewers to such content.

"American Psycho" is a prime example of how cinematography can normalize

extreme violence and psychopathic behavior. The slick camerawork and stylish
visuals juxtaposed with Patrick Bateman's brutal killings create a disconnect
between the horror of his actions and the polished aesthetic. This cinematic
approach risks making the violence appear almost banal or acceptable.

Similarly, in "Joker," the gritty realism of the Gotham City setting is intercut with
artistic, almost poetic depictions of the protagonist's descent into madness and
violence. The striking visuals and Joaquin Phoenix's gripping performance could
inadvertently glorify or minimize the disturbing acts portrayed.
The normalization of sex and nudity through cinematography is another area of
concern for younger viewers. Films like "Black Swan" contain multiple scenes of
sexual situations captured through an artistic, dreamlike lens. While attempting to
represent psychological struggles, the stylized depictions could warp perspectives
on intimacy.

Documentaries also employ selective cinematography that can normalize or

sensationalize certain behaviors. "Nightcrawler" follows a crew of videographers
chasing and filming violent crimes, with tense camerawork that obscures the
ethical boundaries they cross. Younger audiences could be swayed to see this
contentious line of work as exciting rather than unethical.

The psychological impact lies in the way stylized camerawork can deemphasize
the disturbing nature of mature content like violence and sexuality. Repeated
exposure risks normalizing these themes by portraying them as visually compelling
rather than deeply unethical or harmful. Developing media literacy is key for
younger viewers to critically evaluate such cinematic techniques.

3. Representation and Identity Formation: Cinematography plays a

significant role in how different groups, cultures, and identities are represented on
screen. The portrayal of excessive wealth and hedonism in "The Wolf of Wall
Street" could potentially influence younger viewers' perceptions of success and
materialism.

The lenses through which different identities are framed can have a lasting impact
on how younger audiences perceive themselves and others. In "The Wolf of Wall
Street," the cinematography revels in the excesses of the stockbrokers' lifestyle –
mansions, yachts, drugs, and debauchery are all captured in an almost enviable
light. While meant to satirize, such glorified visuals could reinforce materialistic
values among impressionable youth.

In contrast, films like "Moonlight" use intimate, naturalistic camerawork to

provide an authentic window into the African-American experience. The
understated cinematography allows the characters' vulnerabilities to take center
stage, countering stereotypical portrayals. This representation provides a point of
recognition for some younger viewers and promotes empathy in others.

However, cinematic representation can also reinforce harmful stereotypes when

not handled responsibly. The stylized depictions of criminality or violence in
certain communities in films like "City of God" could perpetuate prejudiced
perceptions if contextual authenticity is not prioritized.
Overall, the cinematographic lens is pivotal in shaping how younger viewers
perceive different identities and cultures. Positive, multi-dimensional
representation is crucial for enabling self-acceptance, promoting understanding,
and deconstructing biases during formative years of identity development.

4. Idealization and Unrealistic Expectations: The use of creative lighting,

camera work, and post-production techniques can create idealized representations
of beauty, relationships, or lifestyles. In "Black Swan," the cinematography
portrays an almost surreal and perfectionistic view of the ballet world, which could
lead to unrealistic expectations among young viewers interested in the art form.

5. Immersion and Escapism: Cinematography's ability to transport viewers

into different worlds, environments, and experiences can provide a sense of
immersion and escapism for younger audiences. The gritty, handheld camerawork
in "Nightcrawler" immerses the viewer in the seedy underbelly of crime
journalism, potentially fostering an unhealthy fascination or detachment from
reality among impressionable viewers.

The level of immersion facilitated by cinematography can be a double-edged

sword, especially for younger viewers still developing their sense of reality. On
one hand, being transported to fantastical realms like those in the "Harry Potter" or
"Lord of the Rings" films can spark imagination and provide an escape from
everyday stresses. The sweeping vistas and meticulous world-building in these
films allow viewers to lose themselves in the magic.

However, when the depicted environments are morally ambiguous or disturbing,

that escapist immersion could prove psychologically unhealthy. In "Nightcrawler,"
the frenetic camerawork follows Lou Bloom's increasingly unhinged obsession
with capturing violent footage. This visceral style completely immerses the
audience in his skewed perspective, potentially normalizing unethical behavior or
desensitizing younger viewers to graphic content.

Similarly, the first-person cinematography of films like "Hardcore Henry" creates

an ultra-immersive experience that blurs the line between spectator and participant.
While exhilarating for some, this technique could be highly distressing or even
traumatic for psychologically vulnerable younger viewers.
Excessive immersion and escapism from reality through cinema have also been
linked to issues like dissociation, difficulty distinguishing fantasy from reality, and
social isolation in extreme cases. The hyper-realism of certain films might cause
some younger audiences to develop unrealistic expectations about relationships,
body image, or life experiences.

As powerful as cinematic immersion can be, it requires guidance to ensure younger

audiences maintain a healthy grasp of reality. Parental involvement, age-
appropriate content choices, and open discussions about the separating fiction from
reality can help mitigate the risks of excessive escapism through film.

Films like "Fight Club," "Black Swan," "American Psycho," "Joker," "The Wolf of
Wall Street," and "Nightcrawler" demonstrate how cinematography can profoundly
impact young audiences through visual stimuli, normalization of controversial
content, representation of identities, idealization of unrealistic scenarios, and
immersive escapism. It is crucial for parents, educators, and the entertainment
industry to recognize these effects and foster a more critical and responsible
approach to consuming visual media.

In film, colour theory states that various colours have the power to illicitly specific
emotional responses in the audience. By manipulating colours as a director or
cinematographer, you can instantly create a mood for your film, thus helping to tell
your story.