The Good Place- Color
When I think of films and shows that lean into color one that always comes to mind for me is “the good place”. The Good Place uses color very intentionally to display tension, feelings and character development helping emphasize the shows’ central themes of morality, identity and self-betterment
Color is a way that the creators of the show are able to display changes in narratives and character arcs in the show. In the first episodes of the show the so called ‘good place’ has very bright colors, full of yellows, softer blues, and earthy greens. The colors convey a sense of happiness and perfection there are no reds and no darkness anywhere in sight. Throughout the show however the main character Elanor becomes aware that something is off and slight color shifts happen to a palette that’s a little less happy. The palettes get more saturated to hint at the idea that not everything is as perfect anymore that there are some underlying problems. For example, in episode 10 the characters learn that they aren’t in the good place and actually in the bad place the entire palette shifts to dark colors deep reds and harsh lighting emphasizing this narrative shift and overwhelming discomfort.
Color establishes the mood and tone for the entire show. The beautiful and cheerful colors of the neighborhood in the good place display a fairy tale feeling. But when they visit the medium place there is a very visible difference in feeling because of the colors, as the medium place is full of duller colors like brown and beige making this place feel boring and undesirable to the good place. Lighting is also very crucial in this display.
The color green is seen as a recurring symbol of growth and development. This is seen through Elanor’s shift to green hues as the develops and matures. Red signifies bad, danger, and fear as seen in the bad place. And you see golden tones in important moments such as the final farewell symbolizing resolution and success.
the good place
the medium place
the bad place
