The Language of Color: Decoding Modern Media Aesthetics
BY LEZ RUDGE, HEAD OF COLOR AT PROSE ON PIXELS
As someone who works in shaping the look and feel of moving visual media – whether it’s films or branded content – I’ve heard a lot of talk about the current trend toward a duller, less saturated aesthetic in the film industry. Personally, I think there’s some truth to that, but there are definitely exceptions. Just look at “Barbie” or “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga”.
Desaturation as a cultural signal
Color, to me, is not just a technical choice – it’s a narrative pillar. It sets tone, signals emotion, and shapes how stories are felt. Yet today, the pervasive dullness in modern visual media seems to reflect a collective sense of societal uncertainty. The muted aesthetic – often achieved through reduced saturation, lifted blacks, and a preference for natural, available-light looks – has become the default language of realism and seriousness. It often functions as a visual shortcut, signaling “authenticity” or “gravitas,” and perhaps even a cultural leaning away from optimism.
I genuinely believe art imitates life, and right now, most people around the world seem to be experiencing some level of angst, regardless of where they fall on the political or economic spectrum. Just look at the decline in rom-coms and buddy movies compared to years past. It says something about the mood of the times.
Bold choices in recent cinema
As a colorist, my job is to amplify the mood the filmmakers want to convey. It wouldn’t make sense to use a vibrant, saturated look if the intent is sober or thought-provoking. In fact, I think audiences would feel talked down to if they sensed a cheap attempt to force optimism.
For example, in “One Battle After Another” (2025), the cinematography was stunning. If that film had a hyper-real, “optimistic” look, it would have undermined the gritty, philosophical tone Paul Thomas Anderson was aiming for.
Another masterclass in visual storytelling is Robert Eggers’ “Nosferatu” (2024). Yes, it felt sparse and drained of color, but the pops of color – like a vibrant blue dress – did exponentially more work. Those subtle choices isolated moments of life, madness, or pivotal change within a desaturated world.
And then there’s Alice Rohrwacher’s “La Chimera” (2023). Its subtle, natural look proves that authenticity itself can be a powerful aesthetic. Watching it, I felt transported to Italy, immersed in the characters’ world.
Visuals that spark conversations
Ultimately, I believe filmmaking – and any art form – is deeply subjective. Beauty truly lies in the eye of the beholder, and there’s no universal formula for what works. But what separates memorable work from the forgettable is conviction. I admire filmmakers who are bold enough to embrace a distinct point of view, even if it risks polarizing audiences. Playing it safe – defaulting to the “norm” because it feels comfortable – rarely leads to greatness.
Safe choices create work that blends into the background, and no one ever champions something that feels pedestrian. Innovation demands courage. In a world overloaded with content, the only way to stand out is to dare: dare to color outside the lines, dare to challenge trends, dare to make something that sparks conversation and provokes thought and emotion.
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