Why Do Christmas Movies Look Like That?
You recognized these movies instantly, but why? It's all about Color Grading. Christmas movies utilize a specific "Warm/Cool" contrast.
Directors often bathe indoor scenes in "Tungsten" (Orange/Gold) light to simulate fire and candlelight, while outdoor scenes are pushed towards "Cyan" (Blue) to simulate winter moonlight. This contrast creates an immediate subconscious feeling of "Hygge" or coziness.
Visual Palettes Deconstructed
- Elf: Hyper-saturated Emerald Green (Fantasy)
- Home Alone: Festive Red & Brick (Reality)
- Polar Express: Midnight Blue & Ice (Dreamlike)