The red color in the films of Stanley Kubrick

Red is the favorite Kubrick’s color. It exists almost in all the movies, giving them even more surrealism. Indeed, if you look closely at the filmography of Stanley Kubrick, you can clearly see this feature. Red in this case is a symbol of mysticism; it extends anxiety, by using red objects in the frame it constantly refers the audience to the subject of death. Whether it is a boy’s sweater or elevator’s doors from “The Shining”, astronaut’s suits or HAL 9000 sensor from “2001: A Space Odyssey:”

It should be noted that not all the films of Kubrick red finds vivid expression, but most of the key scenes in the films highlighted in this color. This feature at least gives the films uniqueness and originality, but relished not for everyone.

The red color provides a powerful informational impact. It is an excellent tool for creating the right subtext, correct perception and mood. According to Kubrick himself, this effect can be achieved through a successful combination of a surreal image, an abundance of red and specific, «the other world» music.

For example the «Star Gate» scene from “2001: A Space Odyssey” or a scene from «the Shining», where the Elevator doors opens and blood flows foods the corridor, surrounded by strange and frightening sounds. The most memorable scenes are speechless moments where there is nothing but red, music and emotions of the hero.

American designer Rishi Kaneria, released a short video (https://vimeo.com/112129153 ) with shots from Kubrick's films which presented usage of red color.

The short video shows screenplays from “The shining”, «Eyes wide shut», «2001: A Space Odyssey », “A Clockwork Orange” «Full metal jacket» were following by Beethoven's 9th Symphony.