A look at lighting in Post-Apocalyptic film openings

1. FILM OPENINGS-LIGHTING
GEORGE MUGGLESTONE

2. I AM LEGEND
In this film’s opening, the protagonist is seen driving through abandoned New
York City. As this is during the day, the lighting is fairly bright. This is unusual for a film
of this genre as it is common for Post-Apocalyptic films to begin in a dark, dull, eerie
and bleak setting.

3. The Terminator
contrast to “I am Legend”, “The Terminator”'s lighting in the opening sequence is very typical
the Post-Apocalyptic genre. For example, when the scene opens, it is set in a future 2029
Angeles and setting is that of a dark, dull, eerie , tense and a dreary atmosphere. The director's
for this is to perhaps create mystery surrounding the future of our planet but it also creates
for the audience as we are unsure of the exact events that are taking place within the opening
unsure of the exact events that are taking place within the opening sequence.

4. The Road
Alternatively, in “The Road”, the lighting can be seen to have almost a ‘water
washed’ effect; where all the setting is a dull brown and looks bleak. This is
because the director wants to create the post-apocalyptic world in which the film is
set-where everyone and everything has vanished.

5. Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior
In this fourth film, the opening scene is based in daylight on a desert road.
Despite this factor, the director still creates a tense and climatic atmosphere by
incorporating a car chase into the sequence. This sets the tone of the film, making
the audience wonder what exactly is happening, keeping them on the edge of their
seat.

6. Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior
In this fourth film, the opening scene is based in daylight on a desert road.
Despite this factor, the director still creates a tense and climatic atmosphere by
incorporating a car chase into the sequence. This sets the tone of the film, making
the audience wonder what exactly is happening, keeping them on the edge of their
seat.