Suspiria’s Colour Palette

The use of colour in the 2018 film "Suspiria" is a standout feature of the movie and is likely to leave a lasting impression on viewers. The director, Luca Guadagnino, uses colour to create a surreal and haunting atmosphere, heightening the film's sense of dread and unease.

Throughout the movie, three primary colours are used to great effect: red, blue, and green. These colours are often used in conjunction with one another, creating a vibrant and unsettling palette that adds to the film's overall sense of otherworldliness.

Red is perhaps the most prominent colour used in the film. It is used to signify violence, passion, and power. The colour appears in the opening sequence, dominating the screen as a young dancer is brutally murdered. Later, it is used to signify the darker aspects of the witchcraft practised by the film's coven. Red is also used to great effect in the film's final act, where it dominates the climactic scenes.

Blue is another prominent colour in the film. It creates a sense of calm and tranquillity and signifies the supernatural. The colour appears in the coven's living quarters scenes, creating a sense of peace and serenity. However, it is also used to signify the presence of supernatural forces, such as in the scene where one of the dancers is telekinetically thrown against the walls of her room.

Green is used to signify nature and growth as to as sickness and decay. It is used throughout the film to create a sense of unease, particularly in scenes where the dancers practise their craft. The use of green in these scenes creates a sense of sickness and disease, emphasizing the dark and dangerous nature of the coven's practices.

The use of colour in "Suspiria" is masterful. The director uses colour to create a sense of dread and unease, heightening the film's sense of danger and otherworldliness. The combination of red, blue, and green creates a vibrant, unsettling palette that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.

In addition to the primary colours, there are several instances where other colours convey specific emotions or themes. For example, yellow is used to signify sickness and infection, while white is used to signify purity and innocence.

The use of colour in "Suspiria" is a great example of how a director can use visual elements to convey meaning and enhance the overall atmosphere of a film. It demonstrates how colour can be used as a powerful storytelling tool and how a skilled director can use it to evoke emotions and create a truly unforgettable viewing experience.