Color in David Fincher Movies — Fincher Explains How He Uses Color Palettes in His Films

A breakdown of the David Fincher color palette from the director and his collaborators in their own words discussing Se7en, Fight Club, The Social Network, Mindhunter, and more.

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Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to David Fincher's Colors
00:41 - Desaturated Palette
02:37 - Colors & Characters
04:51 - Settings & Tone
07:55 - Wrap Up

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The typical David Fincher color palette isn’t very colorful. Exceptions aside, Fincher typically forgoes any bright or saturated colors for something much more subdued. Beyond a simple aesthetic choice, there is also storytelling value within a David Fincher color palette. A filmmaker as precise as Fincher doesn’t leave any decision unconsidered so what is behind his choice of colors? In this video, we’ll hear from Fincher and his collaborators on color in David Fincher movies and how it fits into his overall approach.

The David Fincher Color Palette — Desaturation

If there is one consistent trait to a David Fincher color palette, it is desaturation. As Production Designer Arthur Max explains, Se7en is a “no-color color movie.” Creating such a muted and controlled palette, especially away from primary and vibrant colors, has a number of effects. One effect is that when a bold color is used, the audience will notice it. In Se7en, it also allows the appearance of bright red to stand out even more — which is reserved for blood, John Doe, and the relationship between them.

David Fincher's Color — Characters

Fincher will often attach color to a character. In The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, the color red was used exclusively for Daisy. In Se7en, Det. Somerset is surrounded by dark colors. In his apartment, we get dark Earth tones and deep greens to match his pessimistic worldview.

Color in David Fincher Movies — Settings

Where Fincher does make pronounced choices in his color palette is in settings. Often he will wash the entire room in a single color — like the nostalgic yellow in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button or the oppressive orange heat in Alien 3. For the “Sloth” crime scene in Se7en, cinematographer Darius Khondji explains how they used green in the lighting to give the scene a “moist, fungal” look.

The David Fincher color palette isn’t bold or even that visually appealing but that’s the point. To create the dark and dangerous moods of his subject matter, it makes perfect sense to let color become equally dark.

#FilmTheory #VideoEssay #Filmmaking

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♬ SONGS USED:

"She's a Rainbow" - The Rolling Stones
"Where Is My Mind?" - Pixies
"In Motion" - Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
"Deep Blue Sea - Instrumental Version" - Yehezkel Raz
"Envy" - Howard Shore
"Benjamin and Daisy" - Alexandre Desplat
"Out of Nowhere" - Sidney Bechet
"What Is Fight Club?" - The Dust Brothers
"Gluttony" - Howard Shore
"A Familiar Taste" - Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
"Hidden in Snow" - Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
"Who Is Tyler Durden?" - The Dust Brothers
"Sloth" - Howard Shore
"Main Titles" - Jason Hill
"In the Hall of the Mountain King" - Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross

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[StudioBinder]

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to David Fincher's Colors
00:41 - Desaturated Palette
02:37 - Colors & Characters
04:51 - Settings & Tone
07:55 - Wrap Up

[Saint_Trump]

The smooth and nuanced movements in many seem-like-steady shoots really define Fincher's style.

[tturnquest]

David Fincher may not be crazy with using colors like Wes Anderson. But when does, it’s effective.

Great video as always Studiobinder.

[blurryface]

I always wondered how David Fincher managed to create such atmosphere in his films. Color plays an important role in visual storytelling.

[rayancedrichaddad]

Thank you StudioBinder. You Explain Brilliantly the Reason that David Fincher is one of my Favorite Filmmaker. With his Precision definition of his Characters and his Color Palette who is a complete character in his Cinematography.

[mambaman]

His voice alone makes you learn 80% of the material!

[BlueCubeSociety]

Literally just finished Mindhunter yesterday, now you're uploading this

[JudiChristopher]

"Se7ven" is one of the BEST Psychological Thrillers I have ever seen.

[Mojacaine]

I love how this video is edited and narrator's voice

[tacomax]

This channel is one of the most informative and entertaining out there.

[thenegusayo]

this vid came at a perfect time. currently working on a video essay on fincher for my senior project

[MustSeeHeaven]

Honestly, this channel is one of the best things ever hit to me. Wishing to see more n more good work. Amazing Guys. #Kudos

[increase]

my favorite director of all time. I love everything he touches

[CluelessIndianGamer]

Color is something that I take very personally while watching a movie. It it something that sets the mood for the story that is to follow.
Thankyou for this video StudioBinder. ❤️

[hunsakermedia]

I can't get enough of how Fincher intentionally controls each aspect of his films for a specific reason.

[huangjun_art]

Every Marvel fan watching this: "Wait? There are different colors than bright neon?"

[Chowyanh]

Perfect as always. Just by watching such short powerful lessons in film one cannot ignore the urge of getting into film production.

[shaunstark]

Its amazing to know that khonshu does voice over for SB videos

[dcstoy]

Thank you so much for this! This is extremely helpful and useful for someone interested in color usage and tonality in my own short films!

[dudedavid]

Congrats on your 1m subs, I'm so happy for you guys.