Beyond the Spectrum: Unveiling the Uncharted Influence of Ultraviolet Colour Naratives in Contemporary Cinema

Abstract

 

This study explores the innovative use of ultraviolet (UV) colours in modern filmmaking. Traditional colour schemes have long been pivotal in cinematic storytelling, yet UV hues remain an underexplored frontier. This research examines the implicit meanings and effects of UV colours on audience perception and engagement, highlighting their potential to alter narrative comprehension and thematic interpretation. The study delves into the technical processes of capturing UV colours, involving specialised equipment and techniques, and emphasizes the importance of safety measures due to the harmful effects of prolonged UV exposure. It also provides a theoretical framework, linking UV colour usage to psychological and emotional impacts, drawing on colour psychology and photobiology research. Through detailed analysis of films such as Gaspar Noé's Enter the Void, and Alex Garland's Annihilation, this paper illustrates how UV colours can enhance surreal and hallucinogenic atmospheres, symbolising profound themes and evoking complex emotional responses. The methodology includes qualitative case studies of these films, examining their visual and thematic elements. The findings suggest that UV colours in film significantly impact viewer emotions and cognition, creating unique atmospheres that enhance storytelling and audience engagement. The paper also discusses practical applications of UV light beyond cinema, in fields such as art, forensics, and medicine. This research underscores the need for further technological advancements, artistic experimentation, and empirical studies to fully harness the capabilities of UV light in film production, offering filmmakers a novel tool for creating immersive and emotionally resonant cinematic experiences.

Keywords: Ultraviolet Colors, Hues, Visual Effects, Psychological Impact, Cinematic Narrative.