Sin City' : an object lesson in colour

Abstract: Film noir’s appeal as a film genre has been enhanced by the use of modern chiaroscuro techniques derived from computer algorithms. For Sin City (2005), this has resulted in the addition of colour to the mix of monochrome differentials, and thus punctuates parts of the narrative with added visual emphasis. Colours used in this way are highly symbolic, and both emphasise the symbolism inherent in the film’s genre as well as provide associations with ‘real’ life for the viewer. As presented in this paper, colour also offers emotional impacts that aid in the communication of Sin City’s reputation as an exemplar of filmic violence, by distracting attention away from violence’s graphic presentation.