CLASSROOM: What Can Van Gogh’s Ugliest Painting Teach Us About Filmmaking?1 min read
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In a series of letters Van Gogh wrote to his brother, he describes “Night Cafe” as the “ugliest painting” he’s ever done. Van Gogh hates the colours, the people, the textures, and the lighting. They drive him mad. A few months after he completes these works, he cuts his ear off. Which is…not great.
So what can a filmmaker learn from Van Gogh’s work? Our post on colour theory will attest to the findings in the video. You can do a lot for the audience’s emotions by skewing the colour and lighting. Also, look at the mise-en–scene within this scene. The chairs turned over, the placement of the people, the man is anticipating a pool game….it’s honestly an incredible scene for your character to happen upon.
