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Color in But I'm a Cheerleader
madison lundquist
Created on April 13, 2023
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Transcript
The Use of Color in But I'm a Cheerleader (1999)
By: Madison Lundquist
The use of color in film is an essential element of storytelling and can have a significant impact on the overall viewing experience. In the film But I'm a Cheerleader (1999), director Jamie Babbit utilizes color to convey the story's themes of gender, sexuality, and societal norms.
The film follows the story of Megan, a high school cheerleader who is sent to a conversion therapy camp by her parents, who believe she is a lesbian. Throughout the film, the use of color is employed to highlight and contrast the binary gender roles and societal expectations that are prevalent in the story's setting.
At the beginning of the film, Megan's world is presented in bright, cheerful colors, reflecting her seemingly perfect life as a cheerleader and her adherence to gender norms. Her clothing and surroundings are all in shades of pink and pastel, representing femininity and purity.
However, as Megan is sent to the conversion therapy camp, the color scheme shifts to a harsher, more sterile palette of whites, grays, and blues. The clinical environment highlights the oppressive and restrictive nature of the camp and the strict gender roles that are enforced.
Throughout the film, the use of color is also utilized to showcase the contrast between the two main characters, Megan and Graham. Megan's world is represented by bright, pastel colors, while Graham's world is full of dark, bold hues. This contrast highlights the difference in their personalities and lifestyles, with Megan being more reserved and Graham being more rebellious and free-spirited.
In conclusion, the use of color in "But I'm a Cheerleader" is a vital tool in conveying the film's themes of gender, sexuality, and societal expectations. The film's color palette shifts throughout the story, reflecting the changes in the characters' lives and emphasizing the oppressive nature of conversion therapy. Overall, the use of color in the film plays a significant role in enhancing the viewer's understanding and emotional connection to the story.