It's Not That Black & White

I have done a few posts now on colored eggs and bright, beautiful flowers, but the brooding weather outside today and the limits of the sunlight right now lend themselves to a post about one of my greatest interests. 

I have always loved movies, especially old, black and white classics. 

I’m the nerdy child who, along with my equally uncool sister, spent many a winter break trying to watch all ten Fred & Ginger movies or sitting up half the night screaming through a Hitchcock marathon, without ever really exploring why the movies are so dear to my heart.

A few years ago, while walking out of film class, a good friend made what I’m sure she assumed was a mundane comment. “I don’t like black and white movies,” she told me nonchalantly. No matter her intention, every fiber of my being revolted, and unfortunately for her, she’s a close enough friend that I felt free to express the full range of my emotions. I crossed my arms, turned on my heel, and was ready to retort with why I believe black and white film is just as valuable, if not more valuable than color film (especially Technicolor, yuck). However, when I tried to turn my sardonic scowl into words, the words weren’t there. “Um, well, ummm UGH!! You’re wrong! I love black and white movies!” I stated… Nope, not exactly persuasive, self. Afterwards, I have occasionally thought about that moment, usually while scrolling through the TCM monthly schedule.

In case I encounter this remark again, I have thought of some observations of my own. Here are a few of the reasons I love black & white films:

There is a special artistry in trying to express one’s point in closer confines than those we experience in the real world. Black & white is the sonnet form to the winding plot of color’s novel (though both are important). The Black & white spectrum forces all involved in viewing and producing an image to really think about the content.  The viewer sees things not just with a frame around them, but truly transformed.

 Like crisp, white snow, this medium tends to cover and clean up the things that distract from what’s more deeply beautiful, moving, and fascinating all around us.

It’s incredibly intriguing, and something must be said for an art form that is limited in its own expression and yet can effectively crackle with electric chemistry,

The Philadelphia Story

roll with belly laughs,

Bringing Up Baby

and even illustrate human calamities

It's a Wonderful Life

...a perfect storm.

I truly don’t know all of the reasons black and white film is so important to me or exactly why I responded so viscerally to my friend’s comment. Perhaps what’s truly great about this way of recording images is ineffable (like most other great things in this world).

*Note: The photos really aren't from the same movie. Apparently, I just like those actors. 

So, as a segue back to the rest of the blog, I also love black & white still photography: