The Better Angels: A Study in Black and White

The video discusses the decision to use black and white in the film 'The Better Angels' to capture the essence of Lincoln's life and the frontier era. The choice was made for both aesthetic and symbolic reasons, aiming to create a sensory experience and abstract the narrative into iconic imagery. Black and white also benefited the production design by evoking a historical feel and aiding with budget constraints. Despite the stigma and challenges associated with black and white films, the video argues that strong storytelling and performances can transcend color limitations.

Why was 'The Better Angels' filmed in black and white?

• To attract a younger audience

• To make it look like a documentary

• To reflect the historical perception of Lincoln

• To save on production costs

What does black and white imagery help to avoid in the film?

• Modern technology

• Complex character development

• Romanticizing frontier life

• Historical accuracy

What was the primary goal of using black and white in the film?

• To simplify the script

• To highlight the costumes

• To mimic old Western movies

• To create a sensory experience

How does black and white imagery affect the perception of characters?

• It abstracts them into symbols

• It adds more detail to their features

• It makes them appear more colorful

• It makes them look older

What advantage does black and white provide to production design?

• It increases the budget

• It allows for more complex sets

• It simplifies the visual elements

• It reduces the need for lighting

What is a benefit of black and white in terms of audience perception?

• It focuses on the film's soundtrack

• It provides a sense of timelessness

• It limits the audience's imagination

• It makes the film appear more modern

What is a common perception of black and white films?

• They are more humorous

• They are less artistic

• They are seen as serious or artistic

• They are more popular with children

What should filmmakers be prepared for when choosing black and white?

• Immediate acceptance

• Financial success

• To fight for their choice

• To change the script

What does the success of 'Schindler's List' suggest about black and white films?

• They are only for niche audiences

• They cannot be financially successful

• They are outdated

• They rely on strong storytelling

What is not a factor in connecting with the audience according to the transcript?

• The quality of performances

• The film's budget

• The strength of the story

• The color of the film