There’s something elegant and graceful about black-and-white movies. They harken back to our first films, and their stark contrasts are great for portraying different aspects of everyday life, from the mundane to the elegant.
But it’s not just old movies that are made in black and white, lots of directors choose the color palate to better signify the themes of their films.
Today, I wanted to go over some great modern black-and-white movies and talk about what makes them so special.
Let’s dive into the movies.
1. ‘The Lighthouse’
This awesome Robert Eggers movie is probably as close to a comedy as he could ever make. It’s trippy, has a delightful seagull in it, and a lot of mermaid stuff.
2. ‘Roma’
Alfonso Cuarón created this semi-autobiographical film that follows a family in Mexico in the 70s. It has an ethereal beauty that is elevated via black and white.
3. ‘Clerks’
Kevin Smith’s movie took on a cult following and launched him into the stratosphere. He shot on black and white because it was cheap, and yet somehow it just adds so much soul to the movie.
4. ‘The Artist’
This silent film won Best Picture at the Oscars. Directed by Michel Hazanavicius, it’s a throwback to a time gone by. It’s fun to watch and so well-choreographed.
5. ‘Frances Ha’
I have a soft spot for this Noah Baumbach movie about finding yourself. Greta Gerwig is so interesting as the main character, who is a calamity but also incredibly charming,
6. ‘Nebraska’
Alexander Payne injected so much heart into this father and son story about chasing down a million-dollar prize. It is one of those movies that has an inevitable ending, and yet we appreciate every step of the journey.
7. ‘A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night’
Ana Lily Amirpour blew me away with this film. It’s like part Western, part horror, part haunting reality. The black and white gives it this eerie sense of timelessness.
8. ‘Good Night, and Good Luck’
George Clooney directed this fascinating look at the news during the Red Scare. The black and white here brings an authenticity to the period, and, with all the smoking, an otherworldly quality that’s sumptuous.
9. ‘Sin City’
This is one of those movies I come back to again and again because I think it’s just so fun. A pulpy, angry, melodramatic, insane comic book adaptation by Robert Rodriguez. It is a blast to watch.
Summing Up 9 Best Modern Black & White Movies
The idea of using black and white is a stark one that can add to your story or artistry. I love seeing modern filmmakers use it to tell stories and to see unique ways they incorporate it.
What are some of your favorite instances of this?
Let me know what you think in the comments.
Author: Jason Hellerman
This article comes from No Film School and can be read on the original site.
