An Introduction to Film

48 CHAPTER 2PRINCIPLES OF FILM FORM

5

1

3

6

2

4

Lighting and character in AtonementFilmmakers
often craft the interplay between illumination and shadow
to imply character state of mind. The tragic romance of
Atonement(2007; director: Joe Wright; cinematographer:
Seamus McGarvey) hinges on the actions of a precocious
thirteen year old, Briony Tallis (Saoirse Ronan). Lives are
irrevocably altered when Briony’s adolescent jealousy
prompts her to accuse the housekeeper’s son Robbie of

rape. As events unfold, a series of different lighting designs

are employed to enhance our perception of Briony’s evolving

(and often suppressed) emotions as she stumbles upon

Cecilia and Robbie making love in the library [1], catches a

startled glimpse of her cousin’s rape [2], accuses Robbie of

the crime [3], guiltily retreats upon Robbie’s arrival [4],

contemplates the consequences of her actions [5], and

observes Robbie’s arrest [6].