Why Are Yellow Filters Used in Some Countries in Movies?

of colors human psychology It is an undeniable fact that it has a great impact on people. Colors are one of the indispensable building blocks of cinema. societies cultural codes Some colors used in reflective films may be harmful to some countries. prejudice Unfortunately, it can.

Yellow, is one of these colors. Especially in war and action movies used a yellow filter the prejudice it causes; Middle East -including Turkey- developing against their country of marginalization, of becoming hostile We’ll look at what triggers it.

The use of color in a movie can convey many clues about that movie.

At least as much as the music and dialogues, the use of colors is also a part of the story, subtext and, in fact, the story of the film in question. message to be given It can give many signals about For example, in romantic movies, the color palette is in warmer tones, while in horror and thriller movies, a cold and dark color palette is generally preferred.

However, there is a dilemma regarding the colors used in war and action movies.

While futuristic colors are preferred especially in European cinematography, when it comes to Mexico, African or Middle Eastern countries a dirty yellow is preferred. Why does this dirty yellow color disturb those who see it?

First of all, let’s look at the place of this dirty yellow color in psychology.

In fact, the color yellow is used because it has a very distinct psychological effect; extremes, contradictions and congestion It depicts. That’s why the color yellow is popular with many people. tension and gloom creates the feeling. This shade of yellow, which is frequently used by Hollywood, has a certain effect on those who see it. discomfort This is actually why it evokes the feeling.

We see this color used not only in cinema but also in the TV series industry.

Breaking Bad and Narcos For example, during the scene transition where the main characters in cult TV series are traveling from America to Mexico, the screen suddenly turns yellow.

Homeland In the TV series, in the scene where Carrie Mathison goes to Afghanistan, the screen suddenly turns into a yellow filter. In this scene with people running and shouting chaos Actually it is not a coincidence.

The movie “Extraction” is one of the most ironic examples of the yellow filter.

The 2020 film, starring Chris Hemsworth and Bryon Lerum and directed by Sam Hargrave, tells the story of a mercenary sent to Bangladesh to save the kidnapped son of a drug trafficker. Misery, lawlessness The movie is complete, you guessed it, it is not filtered through yellow.

This method, which Hollywood has been using for years, is not actually a coincidence.

The cinema industry has experienced great technical development. However, when looking at Hollywood cinema from this point, there is a big dilemma is seen. When it comes to war and action movies, for some countries, subconscious management being watched. Despite developing techniques, what is the reason for this dilemma regarding the preferred color palette in war and action films?

A conscious prejudice is intended to be created.

Especially in Hollywood productions friend and foe As you know, there is a sharp line of distinction. The portrait of the enemy opposite the friend is usually devoid of humanity are people. your enemy brutality, poverty, lawlessness in a painting where he is right in it marginalize As you can guess, it is one of the easiest things in the world. created by the movie oppositesto the opposite side of the viewer prejudice It also makes it easier to create.

These contrasts make it easier for viewers to digest the killing of “enemies.”

In this yellow filter method, which the Hollywood cinema industry consistently maintains, there is a discrimination against “modern” and non-American people. marginalization naturally develops. So consciously through movies racism is being done. This prejudice that settles in our subconscious through colors, marginalization against countries, and the extremely dangerous racism to be triggered It leads.

It is extremely difficult to think that this yellow filter, which evokes concepts such as “Middle East”, “camels”, “desert”, “war”, “diseased” and “unhealthy” in everyone who watches it, is related to the sunset. innocently It is possible. Likewise, Americans think that every country is yellow except their own…

It is also a fact that the perspective on Turkey has changed…

We see this yellow filter in almost all videos and images of foreign institutions and organizations about Turkey. internalized Unfortunately, it’s just a prejudice. The poster shared by Bayern Munich the other day is just one of these examples.

of colors manipulative Using its power, Hollywood has been using this yellow filter method for years to attract viewers’ attention. thoughts, perceptions and reactions greatly over time to transformation hurt. The worst part is, unfortunately, the effects of this continue even today!